An immediate eligibility waiver for former Rutgers running back Raheem Blackshear has been denied by the NCAA. The former Scarlet Knight transferred to Virginia Tech to complete his college career.

Hokies head coach  Justin Fuente told reporters on Friday that Blackshear’s immediate eligibility waiver for the 2020 season was was denied. He also said that the team was “shocked” by the result and that Virginia Tech will appeal the decision.

Michael Niziolek of The Roanoke Times reported the news on Friday.

Blackshear decided to play in just four games last season, utilizing the 2019 campaign as a redshirt year under the NCAA’s new rules. He totaled 29 carries for 88 yards and also had 29 catches for 310 yards and 2 touchdowns.

In his first two years with the Scarlet Knights, Blackshear was one of the top offensive players. He proved to be an effective ball carrier as well as pass-catcher out of the backfield during the 2017 and 2018 campaigns at Rutgers.

During those two seasons, Blackshear totaled 824 yards on the ground and added 500 receiving yards. He accounted for 10 total touchdowns in his freshman and sophomore campaigns.