Penn State coach Bill O'Brien told reporters Tuesday in Washington D.C. that Evan Hailes' playing career is over because of blood-clot problems.
Hailes, a redshirt sophomore defensive tackle, first developed a blood clot in his leg in the spring of 2011 while traveling to his grandfather's funeral. The clot spread to Hailes' lungs, becoming a life-threatening situation, and he was hospitalized for about a week. Hailes was put on blood thinners and missed spring practice but worked back to appear in two games last season, recording two tackles against Eastern Michigan.
Unfortunately, the blood-clot issues have forced him to stop playing. Hailes will remain on scholarship and serve in a graduate assistant-type role with the team.
Hailes came to Penn State rated as the nation's No. 88 recruit by ESPN Recruiting. Best of luck to him in the future as he pursues his degree at Penn State.
