The 79% thing may be inflated imo - here's why. That covered some 70 odd waiver requests from last year. It was the testing grounds period, but mostly legitimate requests. 70 requests from 130 d1 schools is nothing. This offseason we'll likely see a few hundred. And many will be utter BS imo. Just a "let's take a shot" thing. IMO the NCAA committee denies a bunch of questionable requests to send a message (and lessen their paperwork).
Fwiw "closer to home" is not a guideline. IF he can prove a serious family medical issue (supported by a doctor) he needs to attend to by being somewhat closer to south GA, maybe there's a chance. UM must also sign off, though I don't see bad blood there. But does Harbaugh just want to eff with us for Bailey, Crouch, Gray?? Have to figure that.