Oregon State's RB Damien Martinez is unlikely to play in the Sun Bowl, as confirmed by interim coach Kefense Hynson. Despite being cleared to play, Martinez has chosen not to participate, returning home to Texas. Additionally, Notre Dame's slot corner Thomas Harper has also opted out of the Sun Bowl, as confirmed by multiple sources.
This has been reported elsewhere, but worth mentioning after Tuesday's practice viewing. Nickel back Thomas Harper has opted out of the Sun Bowl. He hasn't participated in bowl practices to date, so his absence on Tuesday morning was not news to the coaching staff.
UPDATED Sun Bowl opt-out tracker for #NotreDame football: Slot DB Thomas Harper @IamThomasHarper bows out quietly after making 10 starts this season. #NDFootball https://t.co/wXZltFoXHn
Thomas Harper has opted out of the Sun Bowl. #NDFootball has known this for some time, just hasn’t been announced yet. https://t.co/ANPXd8Ebv4
#NDFootball slot corner Thomas Harper appeared to be absent during the brief portions of Tuesday’s indoor practice that were open to the media.
Damien Martinez is cleared to play in the Sun Bowl… but will not play, per Oregon State. “Damien returned home to Texas with the understanding that he would not be able to play in the Sun Bowl. To change courses at this time is not in the best interest for him or his…
The official word is Damien Martinez is out for the Sun Bowl https://t.co/G5OHvSfmiR
“I would tell you as I stand here today, he won’t play," Oregon State interim coach Kefense Hynson said of Damien Martinez's status for the Sun Bowl https://t.co/5EnfqQWiDZ
Oregon State RB Damien Martinez: Unlikely to play in bowl game https://t.co/Oo6bxXZgIb
Damien Martinez is unlikely to play for Oregon State in the Sun Bowl, per interim coach Kefense Hynson