Coleman granted sixth year of eligibility, lost two years to Leukemia battle

AUBURN – Auburn offensive lineman Shon Coleman, who did not play in 2011 or 2012 due to his battle with leukemia, has received a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA, the school announced Friday afternoon.

“This is great news for Shon, who has been through a lot medically during the last few years,” Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said in a statement. “He has been courageous in his fight and we look forward to him returning to the football field. We’re also very appreciative of the NCAA staff for their understanding of his situation and granting him his sixth year.”

The 6-6, 302-pound Coleman, a Memphis native, was diagnosed in the spring of 2010 with leukemia and underwent treatment at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.