THE SIDELINES : Webb Returning to Volunteers

Tennessee tailback Chuck Webb, who was suspended for the spring semester for allegedly cheating on an exam, has regained his academic eligibility to play football for the Volunteers this fall, a university official said today.

“He’s in good shape,” said Phil Scheurer, university vice chancellor of student affairs who suspended Webb in January.

Webb, who rushed for 1,236 yards as a redshirt freshman last season and was most valuable player in Tennessee’s Cotton Bowl victory over Arkansas, was suspended Jan. 8.

NCAA rules stipulate a student-athlete must pass an average of 24 units annually to be eligible to play football.

Scheurer said Webb received only three units of credit in the fall 1989 semester before his suspension. Scheurer said Webb took correspondence courses in the spring and summer to fulfill the academic requirement.