Post by bigdawgs on Mar 12, 2024 11:01:32 GMT -5
By Seth Emerson
Georgia tight end Pearce Spurlin III, a highly regarded recruit in 2023, is retiring because of a heart condition.
Spurlin played in six games last year after suffering a collarbone injury in spring practice. But he has also been dealing with a congenital heart condition that Georgia said it was aware of and “closely monitored.”
Georgia released a statement saying: “Over time and after discussion and counseling with medical specialists, Spurlin and his family have made the decision that he will no longer play.”
Spurlin will remain on scholarship and receive a medical disqualification, which means he will not count against the NCAA scholarship limit of 85.
Spurlin had three catches for 60 yards last year, his longest one a 31-yarder in the Orange Bowl. He was set to compete for a bigger role with Brock Bowers off to the NFL, and even if it wasn’t this year his long-term future was hopeful. He was the nation’s No. 2 tight end, ranked No. 76 overall, in the 247Sports Composite when he signed with Georgia last year out of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.
“It was really a tough decision for him. We’re praying for him and his family,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said Tuesday. “He’s going to be fine. He’s out there right now with us helping. But there’s just too much at risk. So he will not be able to play.
“You hate it for the kid. He was going to be a really good football player. He got so much better during the season. But it was something we were monitoring closely, and it got to the point where he had to make the tough decision to give up football for the safety of his well-being.”
Georgia tight end Pearce Spurlin III, a highly regarded recruit in 2023, is retiring because of a heart condition.
Spurlin played in six games last year after suffering a collarbone injury in spring practice. But he has also been dealing with a congenital heart condition that Georgia said it was aware of and “closely monitored.”
Georgia released a statement saying: “Over time and after discussion and counseling with medical specialists, Spurlin and his family have made the decision that he will no longer play.”
Spurlin will remain on scholarship and receive a medical disqualification, which means he will not count against the NCAA scholarship limit of 85.
Spurlin had three catches for 60 yards last year, his longest one a 31-yarder in the Orange Bowl. He was set to compete for a bigger role with Brock Bowers off to the NFL, and even if it wasn’t this year his long-term future was hopeful. He was the nation’s No. 2 tight end, ranked No. 76 overall, in the 247Sports Composite when he signed with Georgia last year out of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.
“It was really a tough decision for him. We’re praying for him and his family,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said Tuesday. “He’s going to be fine. He’s out there right now with us helping. But there’s just too much at risk. So he will not be able to play.
“You hate it for the kid. He was going to be a really good football player. He got so much better during the season. But it was something we were monitoring closely, and it got to the point where he had to make the tough decision to give up football for the safety of his well-being.”