Tiger coach Tommy West received expected, but welcome, news on the running back front Tuesday.

University of Miami transfer Charlie Jones was given the green light by the NCAA to play for the Tigers this fall. Jones is the first player the Tigers have had who is taking advantage of a 2006 NCAA rule in which the NCAA grants a waiver to student-athletes who have graduated and enrolled at a school in a graduate program not offered by their previous school.

Jones is the no-nonsense veteran the backfield needs with junior T.J. Pitts, the team’s returning rushing leader, sidelined until likely next month. Jones runs with power and speed and is a complement to the quicker, lighter Curtis Steele, who is running with the No. 1 offense.