Sports
J.D. Sprague Leaves Ohio University Football Program
By: Sean Neidig
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Redshirt junior quarterback J.D. Sprague has left the Ohio football team, according to the Athens Messenger.
Following practice on Wednesday, coach Frank Solich said that Sprague had decided that he did not want to continue with the team. Sprague informed offensive coordinators Tim Albin and Scott Isphording of his departure on Monday.
During the offseason, Sprague underwent surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome that included removing a rib on the right side of his body to help blood flow better to his arm. Thoracic outlet syndrome affects the blood flow from the chest to the upper extremities. Current New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey recently underwent surgery for the same condition after experiencing a “dead arm.”
Sprague was expected to be the Bobcats’ starter this year after playing 17 games, 10 starts, in the past two seasons. In his career, Sprague passed for 2,210 yards on 51.6 percent passing with 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He added four rushing touchdowns and 573 rushing yards.
Sprague’s departure leaves Ohio with three scholarship quarterbacks on their roster: redshirt senior Greg Windham, sophomore Joey Duckworth and redshirt freshman Quinton Maxwell. Only Windham has appeared in a game for Ohio with 380 career passing yards, one touchdown and four interceptions in nine appearances.
Earlier this summer, another quarterback, sophomore Conner Krizancic, left the program due to concerns about concussions.
The Bobcats will have only 17 days to figure out who will start under center for their opening game on Sep. 3 against Texas State in Peden Stadium.