An recently discovered neurological condition has ended the football career of Georgia’s Rico Johnson.
UGA announced Thursday evening that the freshman defensive back from Swainsboro would be medically disqualified, meaning he can remain on athletic scholarship until he graduates.
According to UGA, Johnson experienced “neurological symptoms” during practice on Wednesday underwent a medical evaluation, which uncovered the condition. The Bulldogs determined it would be unsafe for Johnson to continue to play football without risking a permanent spinal cord injury.
“While we are very disappointed for Rico from a football standpoint, we feel extremely fortunate that he is healthy and that we were able to diagnose his condition and protect him from a possible catastrophic injury,” said Ron Courson, UGA’s director of sports medicine. “Although he cannot continue his football career, he should be able to have a normal life.”
Originally a class of 2013 signee, Johnson came to UGA from Georgia Prep Sports Academy in May as a wide receiver. He was moved to defensive back over the summer and has played in all four of the Bulldogs’ games as a reserve cornerback. He has recorded four tackles.
Johnson is the third defensive back that Georgia has lost in just over a week. Last week, it was determined that cornerback Shattle Fenteng would need to undergo shoulder surgery and will be out for the year. Earlier this week utility defensive back Sheldon Dawson, a junior from Memphis, quit the team without explanation.
But secondary depth was the last thing on the Bulldogs’ minds in the wake of Thursday’s news.
“I’m thankful we caught this condition when we did,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said. “Now we can help Rico transition to life after football. He will stay on scholarship through his graduation and we will assist him in finding employment through the P.O. (Paul Oliver) Network.”
Said Pop Carson, Johnson’s coach at Georgia Prep Sports Academy. “Well, it couldn’t have come at a worse time for a great kid. I really hate it for him. But he’s at the University of Georgia to get an education and he’ll still be able to do that. Rico just needs to take it all in and see what the next course of action is.”
Johnson has yet to issue a statement about his situation but vented frustration on Twitter and Instagram on Thursday.
