WVU's Trickett retires due to concussion issues
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Memphis, TN (SportsNetwork.com) - West Virginia senior quarterback Clint Trickett has decided to retire from football due to health issues stemming from multiple concussions.
Trickett revealed in a Friday media session that doctors have not cleared him to play in Monday's Liberty Bowl against Texas A&M.
"Obviously I'm not dressed and ready to go. I tried as much as I could. Believe me, I've been going up to UPMC numerous times over the past month and they were unable to clear me," Trickett said.
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"It's been five concussions in 14 months now so unfortunately I have to retire from football and get into coaching -- the family business -- which is something I've been excited for and I really am ready to move on. I would love to be out and finish the season with my guys, my last game, and it's unfortunate how it ended but I had a great senior year and I would trade it for the rest."
The native of Tallahassee passed for 3,285 yards and 18 touchdowns against 10 interceptions on 281-of-419 attempts this year for the 7-5 Mountaineers.
He completes his collegiate career having accumulated 5,837 passing yards along with 32 TDs for West Virginia and Florida State.
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West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen said Skyler Howard will be under center for the contest. Howard, a sophomore from Fort Worth, Texas, completed 36-of-65 attempts for 483 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions in relief of Trickett in 2014.
"It's unfortunate just because he's done such a good job for us. He's been our starting quarterback and I still consider him our starting quarterback. His senior year didn't end the way that he wanted it to but with that said, 10 1/2 good games and he put us into a position to be able to play in this bowl game," Holgorsen acknowledged of Trickett.