Will Hagerup will sit out 2013 season

Punter Will Hagerup has been reinstated to the active roster but will redshirt in 2013 and return for a fifth-year senior season in 2014, Michigan announced on Tuesday.

"Getting back around his teammates is an important step in this process," coach Brady Hoke said in a statement. "Will and I have had several discussions over the past five months, none of which have been about football. Our primary concern has been for him as a person, and that will not change.

"Will is a part of our family, and we will continue to offer the resources to help him learn and grow. I am pleased with his progress to this point, and he knows that must continue every day moving forward."

Hagerup was suspended Dec. 16 for a violation of team rules, sitting out the Outback Bowl against South Carolina. Earlier in the fall, he was named the Big Ten Punter of the Year after averaging a Michigan single-season record 45.03 yards per punt.

The Milwaukee native was also suspended for the first four games of his sophomore season for violating team rules, and for the Ohio State game in his rookie campaign, but he said in a statement released by U-M that he has learned his lesson.

"The past five months have been an incredible, humbling time for me," he said. "I understand my actions represent every person that supports me, as well as any man who has worn a Michigan jersey the past 133 years. My dad always says that character is how you act when no one is watching. In retrospect, I needed to take a big step in the character department, and I'm excited in the progress I've made in the last five months.

"This trial also has taught me a great deal about my faith, my family and friends, the athletic administration, the coaches and my teammates. I let down all of the aforementioned people, as well as the best fans in football. Before, I thought I could solve my issues by myself, but I was wrong. I now realize that I must and should rely on the important people in my life for guidance and support."

In Hagerup's absence this season, Michigan will turn to junior Matt Wile, who started at punter in the five games Hagerup has been suspended for in the past two seasons. In those five contests, Wile averaged 42.4 yards per punt. In his career, he has averaged 39.2, acting as U-M's pooch punter in 2012.

With Hagerup's return in 2014, Michigan will have only 14 scholarships to hand out. The Wolverines were set to have 15 with Kaleb Ringer's departure Monday but Hagerup will now use an additional scholarship.