Illini lineman quits football over concussions

Posted October 16, 2012 3:43 pm

Associated Press

CHAMPAIGN — Illinois football coach Tim Beckman says transfer offensive lineman Ryan Klachko has decided to stop playing football after suffering what Beckman said were “numerous” concussions.

Beckman said Tuesday during a conference call with reporters that the recent transfer from Nebraska had suffered concussions during practices more than once in the past couple of months.

The 6-4, 290-pound Klachko transferred in August. He was sitting out this season to comply with NCAA transfer rules.

Beckman says he expects Klachko to stay with the team and work in its strength and conditioning program. Klachko remains on scholarship.

Klachko is from Illinois and went to high school at Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin.

Earlier Tuesday, Texas A&M announced that cornerback Steven Campbell left the team over lingering trouble from a concussion.

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