Sun Devils Lose Lineman Because Of Poor Grades

TEMPE, Ariz. - Offensive lineman Eric Ipock, one of the state's top high-school football players in 1988, has withdrawn from Arizona State for academic reasons, Sun Devil Coach Larry Marmie said.

The 6-foot-2, 300-pound Ipock sat out his freshman season last year after being ruled academically ineligible under the NCAA's Proposition 48 rule.

Marmie said Ipock struggled academically last year and withdrew near the end of the first session this summer.

``Basically, he told us he's tired and he doesn't want to go to school here anymore,'' Marmie said. ``He had a chance (to remain eligible) if he completed summer school. I guess he just felt he couldn't do it.''

Ipock, who starred at Peoria High near Phoenix, was being counted on as a backup guard this season at Arizona State.