Michael Turk returns to Arizona State after going undrafted

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The NCAA granted punter Michael Turk reinstatement to Arizona State even though he was in the 2020 NFL Draft and had signed with an agent.

On his behalf, the Sun Devils lobbied to the NCAA that the COVID-19 pandemic prevented Turk from working out for more than two teams between the NFL combine and the draft.

Turk is believed to be the first student-athlete granted reinstatement after turning pro in the same sport and forgoing remaining eligibility.

"I don't think there's any chance this happens outside of this year," Arizona State compliance officer Steve Webb told The Athletic's Doug Haller.

Turk was a first-team All-Pac-12 punter and a Ray Guy Award semifinalist last season after averaging 46 yards per punt, which set a new Arizona State record. The 21-year-old was a redshirt sophomore when he declared for the NFL draft and is now eligible for two more seasons.