Moeller cleared for fall

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio State defensive back Tyler Moeller has been officially cleared to fully participate in fall camp, a spokesperson within the athletic department confirmed to BuckeyeGrove.com on Thursday.

Moeller suffered a serious head injury while on a family vacation in Florida last July and whether or not he would be able to play football for the Buckeyes ever again was in question.

The spokesperson confirmed Moeller will be able to partake in full contact drills this fall but will continue to be closely tested and monitored during his transition back onto the field in a full capacity.

This spring Moeller participated with the team in all non-contact drills and suffered no further ailments as a result of his head injury. Moeller said during spring football that he expected to rejoin the team come the fall, but now is officially cleared.

Moeller's injury dates back to last July when he was in Treasure Island, Fla., wit his family celebrating his grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary. While in Florida, Moeller went to a local restaurant where a conflict ended with him being punched by a man named Ralph Gray Decker, who just recently pleaded guilty to felony battery.

Moeller eventually had surgery on his head, which consistent of drilling two holes into his skull to alleviate pressure on his brain.

In the spring, Tressel acknowledged the Buckeyes would be careful with his return but wouldn't be hesitant to allow Moeller back onto the field if he were fully cleared by the medical staff.

"You know him, he loves to play football, but we are going to be very conservative," Tressel said in the spring. "You talk about head injuries, plus I think one of the stories of next year's college football season is going to be that emphasis on head injuries and what we can do to eliminate it.

"We all need to take it real serious, so when you have an extensive head injury like Tyler, of course we're going to (be conservative) even more so," he added. "I am excited he's back out there."

Ari Wasserman is a staff writer for BuckeyeGrove.com. He can be reached at Ari@BuckeyeGrove.com.