Michael Turk was unable to find an NFL team after the draft, but he is now allowed to return to Arizona State. Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona State punter Michael Turk declared for the 2020 NFL Draft back in January. With two more years of eligibility remaining, this caught a lot of people by surprise.

Ultimately, Turk ended up going undrafted after taking part in the NFL Scouting Combine. Without a team to call his own and handcuffed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Turk applied for more NCAA eligibility.

In a shocking move, the amateur governing body granted that on Wednesday. Turk will return to the Sun Devils for another season.

This is obviously something we have never seen before. But uncharted waters call for decisions of this ilk.

I am personally intrigued to see if other prospects who went undrafted back in April will receive the same special waiver.

The backdrop here is the fact that NFL teams are holding their offseason programs virtually due to the ongoing pandemic. It has affected prospects who were not selected in the 2020 NFL Draft in a big way. The inability to meet with teams ahead of the annual event has also played a major role.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Cardinals sign first-round DL
Negro League legend finally getting his due as MLB merges stats
Rams sign first-round DE, complete draft class
Steelers QB Justin Fields focusing on 'little things' amid battle with Russell Wilson
Texans sign young offensive star to huge contract extension
Pistons confirm that key RFA forward underwent toe surgery
Pirates place left-hander, catcher on injured list
Mavs get good news on Maxi Kleber ahead of Game 4
Patriots exec discusses team's approach to QB competition
Braves to promote No. 3 prospect for MLB debut Wednesday
Diamondbacks release veteran infielder
Packers' former first-round pick planning to make 'monster leap'
NFLPA finalizing proposal for major change to offseason schedule
LeBron James shouts out Jaylen Brown after Celtics advance to NBA Finals
Pacers collapse down the stretch as Celtics sweep ECF
Hall of Famer, beloved broadcaster Bill Walton dead at 71
Jason Robertson leads Stars to comeback win over Oilers in Game 3
Despite recent form, Rafael Nadal's legacy is still gold standard for tennis
Bengals coach offers significant injury update on QB Joe Burrow
MLB officials expect automated ball-strike system to be implemented in 2026

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.