NASHVILLE, Tenn -- A college football player who was kicked off the University of Louisville team for repeated criminal behavior was given a full-ride scholarship at a local university.

Video: TSU Player Has Criminal Past

It was less than a month ago when JaJuan Spillman pleaded guilty to drug and weapons charges, but now he is practicing and signed up for classes at Tennessee State University.

Spillman is a wide receiver with two years of eligibility left. Team officials said he came to TSU on his own a couple weeks ago looking for a fresh start.

TSU Athletic Director Teresa Phillips said she knows all about Spillman's past in the city of Louisville as well as his talent as a wide receiver for the UL.

In January 2007, he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana. The DUI charge was later dropped.

Then in October 2007, he was suspended for half the season after some Louisville media outlets reported that he was fighting with a coach.

Finally in July 2008, he pleaded guilty to marijuana possession, DUI and carrying a concealed weapon. He was kicked off the UL team for good.

He had to pay about $1,000 in fines and is on two years probation.

Phillips said all of that was taken carefully into consideration.

She said Spillman is being given a full scholarship and will have to meet all student-athlete expectations.

After meetings with Spillman, his UL academic counselor and Spillman's legal guardian, TSU felt a transfer to its school was the right move.

Athletic officials at both UL and TSU said it's not all that uncommon to have a player get in trouble at one school and then move on and start over at another school.

Spillman's two-year probation is on the condition that he will not get in trouble again.

If he does break the law again, he may have to serve out some of his time in jail.