Latarrius Thomas and Nate Paopao were granted medical hardship waivers by the NCAA and will be eligible to play for the Eastern Michigan football team in 2011.

"Having two guys with their experience and maturity will certainly help our football team," Eagles coach Ron English said in a statement. "I am both happy and excited for Latarrius and Nate to continue their play careers."

Thomas is a 6-foot-1 defensive back from New Smyrna Beach, Fla., who transferred from Louisville to join English, who was his defensive coordinator with the Cardinals. He made 18 tackles in two games last season before suffering a season-ending injury.

Paopao, a 6-foot linebacker from Oceanside, Calif., also played in two games last season before being injured, making five tackles.