Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets sophomore WR Stephen Hill and senior safety Mario Edwards have been ruled academically ineligible to play in the Independence Bowl against the Air Force Falcons, the school announced today. Both have been year-long starters for the Jackets.

Hill is the team’s No. 1 receiver, but caught more than two passes in only one game this year. He had huge shoes to fill this year, taking over for departed first-round draft pick Demaryius Thomas, and most Tech fans have been disappointed. He’s been able to get open, but has dropped far too may passes, including multiple touchdowns. He’ll be replaced by … well, by somebody who’s caught fewer than 10 passes this year. The Falcons were already expected to pass more than the Jackets, and it looks like that’s only gotten more likely.

The team also listed DE Robert Hall and LB Anthony Barnes as ineligible to participate, though apparently not due to grades.