Catchings granted a medical hardship

Oregon State University football student-athlete Darrell Catchings has been granted a medical hardship season for 2009 during a meeting of the Pac-10 Conference Faculty Athletic Representatives in Los Angeles Thursday. He will be listed as a junior this fall with two years of playing eligibility remaining.

Catchings played in just two games last season (Cincinnati and Arizona) due to injuries to his ankle and wrist. The Escondido, Calif., native has made 42 receptions for 505 yards and one touchdown for his career. He has started 10 games and enters spring practice later this month projected to compete for the starting duties at split end.