Marcus Witherspoon, a freshman linebacker from Atlantic City enrolled at Rutgers and attended classes Monday after transfering from Michigan.

Witherspoon, one of the top defensive players from New Jersey, was enrolled in summer courses at Michigan and reportedly needed to pass an online sociology course in order to quality academically.

Witherspoon told The Press of Atlantic City that he got an ‘A’ in the class, but Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez announced at the beginning of the fall semester that he had not qualified academically.

The NCAA then further investigated his case and declared him eligible, paving the way for him to join the Rutgers program.

Per NCAA rules, he is required to redshirt this season, but can practice with the Knights and be on the active roster next season.Witherspoon, who led Holy Spirit High School to a 12-0 season and the state Public III championship last year, chose Michigan over Rutgers, Florida and Tennessee among others, then reaffirmed his commitment to Michigan when coach Lloyd Carr retired and was replaced by Rich Rodriguez.

When he decided to transfer, Schiano said, Rutgers was interested.“We got back involved when there was a coaching change at (Michigan), he took an official visit, and I really thought we had a chance there, but he decided to stick with his decision,” Schiano said. “But then it didn’t work out (at Michigan).

“We received a phone call from his coach saying he had an interest, and we definitely had an interest.”

Witherspoon, rated a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, led the state with 27 sacks and made 125 solo tackles last year at Holy Spirit. “He’s our kind of kid, I really believe,” Schiano said. “He’s a great player and a really fine person and I think he’ll do a great job.”