University of Cincinnati defensive lineman Dontay Corleone will be out indefinitely as he gets treated for blood clots in his lungs, the school announced on Friday.
The Bearcats’ lineman, who was voted All-Big 12 Second Team last season, reported discomfort in his chest and shortness of breath to the team’s athletic trainers. Upon further evaluation during a one-night hospital stay, he was diagnosed and given initial treatment by a medical team led by senior associate athletic director for sports medicine Aaron Himmler and head team physician Dr. Jon Divine.
After being discharged on June 14 Corleone has been recovering at home.
“I am incredibly grateful to my family and for Aaron Himmler, Dr. Jon Divine, our whole medical staff and the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for guiding me through this over the last few weeks,” Corleone said in a statement. “Right now, I’m focused on my recovery. My hope is I will be able to return to football soon, but in the meantime, I will do everything I can to rehab and help the football program as a leader and mentor to our younger players. I’m looking forward to being around the guys soon.
“The sky is the limit for the Bearcats this season. I love my teammates, our coaches, this university, this city, and of course this fanbase, which has been incredibly supportive of me over the last three years.”
Himmler said in a statement that Corleone’s recovery is “going well” and the medical team is “hopeful” he can return to the field in the near future.
Along with his medical team, Corleone is consulting with specialists to determine next steps in the recovery process.
Corleone, a redshirt junior, recorded 39 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks last season.