Sept. 21, 2007

Auburn, Ala. - Auburn junior running back Brad Lester has been cleared by the NCAA to play beginning with the Vanderbilt game on October 6.

"I'm happy to have this behind me," said Lester. "I'm looking forward to moving on and playing in the Vanderbilt game."

A 5-11, 194-pound native of Lilburn, Ga., Lester has rushed for 869 yards and 14 touchdowns in his Auburn career, including 510 yards and nine touchdowns in 104 carries in 2006.

"I'm proud of Brad's patience and how he's handled this throughout the process," said Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville. "We're excited that we'll have him back on the playing field in the near future."

Auburn hosts New Mexico State Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The game will start at 6 p.m. CT.