Academically dismissed defensive end Deron Irving-Bey plans to return this fall
Deron Irving-Bey is making a comeback.
Following the fall semester, the defensive end was academically dismissed from Central Michigan. But now, a return to the Chippewas for the 2019 season is expected.
Irving-Bey, a Flint native, is currently at a community college.
Jim McElwain, gearing up for his first year as CMU's coach, shed light on Irving-Bey's situation, blaming both the university and the defensive lineman.
"He was instructed on some things and got some misinformation," McElwain said. "Obviously it's two sides to everything. He could've done some things better and he could've been informed better."
When reached for comment, Irving-Bey didn't discuss the specifics. However, he told Central Michigan Life, "(I'm going to) see ya'll in the fall."
It's also unclear what the academically related misinformation was about. Even though his current school is unknown, one institution near CMU is Mid Michigan Community College, while another close to his hometown is Mott Community College.
"We've gotten the miscommunication put away, and right now, he's doing everything he can to get back on this football team," McElwain said.
Irving-Bey transferred to CMU from the University of Michigan on Aug. 21, 2018. He was forced to sit out all of last season due to NCAA transfer rules.
Three days before former coach John Bonamego was fired, he gave high praise to Irving-Bey's ability to be a game-changer in Mount Pleasant.
"Deron Irving-Bey is going to add to the depth of the defensive line," Bonamego said. "He's a highly touted player."
The expected return of Irving-Bey should help fill the void of All-Mid-American Conference First Team defensive end Mike Danna, who departed for Michigan as a graduate transfer in February.
Danna registered 65 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, one pass defended, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns.
Irving-Bey was a four-star prospect in the 2017 class, graduating from Southwestern Academy High School in Flint. He held the No. 249 overall ranking in the country, was No. 9 at strong-side defensive end and No. 4 in Michigan, per the 247Sports Composite.
As a high school senior, Irving-Bey registered 79 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, 15 sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. His scholarship offers included multiple Power 5 programs – Michigan, Michigan State, Maryland, Iowa State, Pittsburgh, Purdue and Tennessee.
While McElwain waits for Irving-Bey to clear up the situation at community college, he can only hope for the best.
"He's a great person and a good kid," McElwain said. "Comes from, obviously, some tough circumstances, so we just embrace him and hope to get him back."
