USC High Profile LB Done

MarylandScout24 · 07-30-2009, 02:19 AM

due to heart disease...as a former college football player(D2) that had to stop playing due to heart disease i feel for him....better they caught it now then later....if he stays at least he gets a great education

Quote:

Incoming freshman linebacker Frankie Telfort will not play football for the University of Southern California because of a heart condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which was discovered during his first month on campus.

The condition causes the heart muscle to thicken, making it difficult to pump blood.

``This is obviously very difficult news for Frankie, his family and all of us in the football program,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said in a statement Wednesday. ``But we're very thankful doctors discovered the issue before it led to anything worse.''

According to athletic director Mike Garrett, Telfort will still attend USC and the school will honor his scholarship. Before the announcement, Telfort had planned to study medicine.

``Everybody's football career unfortunately ends at some point, and no one's ever ready for it,'' Carroll said. ``For some guys, it comes sooner than expected. But you're a football player and a Trojan for life, and Frankie is definitely both.''

Doctors at the Minneapolis Heart Institute, where Telfort got his final opinion, said the early detection of the condition likely saved the 17-year-old's life.

According to the Mayo Clinic, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy affects one in 500 people.

Telfort -- 5-11, 197 pounds with a 4.41 40-time -- led Miami Gulliver Prep to a state finals appearance in 2008 and was a consensus top-10 linebacker according to most recruiting sources.

His blue chip status earned him dozens of scholarship offers, but his choice came down to USC, Stanford and Florida.

On National Signing Day, Telfort's decision was broadcast nationally on ESPN, and despite early signs that he might go to Stanford, Telfort donned a Trojan cap.

KCJ58 · 07-30-2009, 03:54 AM

that really sucks to here

holt_bruce81 · 07-30-2009, 04:33 AM

What a shame. Thats got to be tough for him.

murdamal86 · 07-30-2009, 07:55 AM

Dang man that's unfortunate.

sbh15 · 07-30-2009, 09:48 AM

You always feel bad when it ends for a recruit, they don't even have a chance to get their career started, make some money in a pro league or anything.

Sniper · 07-30-2009, 09:59 AM

USC is honoring his scholarship through 2013. Great and classy move by Pete Carroll and staff.

JRTPlaya21 · 07-30-2009, 12:58 PM

Mentioned in Pac 10 thread, but atleast he gets to stay at USC. Hopefully he can work with the staff or equipment managers.

Ozzy · 08-04-2009, 03:29 PM

That is too bad, but like others have said, at least they caught it in time. Whatever they test to find that out, that should be mandatory for every football player.

FUNBUNCHER · 08-31-2009, 01:24 PM

LB?? Kinda small for USC.

YAYareaRB · 08-31-2009, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FUNBUNCHER

LB?? Kinda small for USC.

His closing speed was second to none in that LB class. One of the positives about him coming out was that he had the frame to add weight without losing quickness. You should watch his highlight tape.. some pretty impressive stuff.