SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Sacramento State linebacker Santi Hall has been ruled ineligible for the 2001 season after failing to meet the University's and NCAA's academic requirements.

Hall, who was a second team all-Big Sky Conference selection last season, was slated to start this upcoming at rover for the Hornets. Last year, Hall appeared in eight of the team's 11 games and recorded 26.5 tackles including four for loss. The Moreno Valley, Calif., native joined the team just prior to the season opener after transferring from UCLA. His first action came in week three and he appeared in the next eight games before missing the season finale.

"We're disappointed and he's disappointed that he could not meet the challenge," said head coach John Volek. "Santi could have helped an already good defense. He has the ability to do special things on the field and we wish him the best of luck."

Hall's departure opens the door for junior Park McAllister who will move into the starting role. The Hornets still return eight starters on the defensive unit including its entire front four and three linebackers who have seen starting time over the past two seasons.

Sacramento State begins its fall practice on Aug. 8 when the ewcomers report. Returning players will report on Aug. 11. The team opens its 2001 season at home against Saint Mary's on Sept. 1.