LSU junior running back Stevan Ridley was declared eligible to participate in the Tigers’ upcoming Cotton Bowl game Jan. 7, according to reports.

Both The Times-Picayune and TigerSportsDigest.com reported Monday afternoon that a source revealed the running back would be eligible, and the athletic department confirmed this Monday night in a news release.

“This is great news. We put our faith in the system and the NCAA made the right decision,” said LSU coach Les Miles. “I told the team about the news at the end of practice and they’re a happy group.”

Ridley was originally ruled ineligible Dec. 22, but LSU appealed the decision during the Christmas holiday. A ruling was expected to come by Tuesday, but the school announced Ridley’s successful appeal a day early and only four days away from a date with Texas A&M at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Ridley, a team captain, has been the workhouse for an inconsistent LSU offense this season. He finished the regular season with 1,042 yards on the ground and 14 touchdowns. Ridley carried the ball at least 17 times in nine of LSU’s 12 games.