Two Arizona Wildcats Retire from Football Due to Concussions

Personal health always takes precedence over a college football career, as two Arizona linebackers showed Wednesday.

As reported by Daniel Berk of the Arizona Daily Star, Dakota Conwell and C.J. Dozier have ended their playing careers after sustaining multiple concussions.

Berk quoted UA head coach Rich Rodriguez, who announced their departure after Wednesday night's practice.

"They are no longer playing because of concussions. They have had multiple concussions, so at the advice of their doctors, their football career is over."

Berk wrote that the two sophomores had their fall camps cut short due to concussions, while also adding that they are expected finish their degrees at Arizona while retaining their scholarships.

Conwell played in 10 games as a freshman, recording 12 tackles, including three for a loss and one sack, in addition to a pair of pass breakups. 

Dozier played a similar role, seeing action in nine games, including the final seven. In that time, the Temecula, Calif. native logged 27 tackles and a forced fumble. Fifteen of his tackles came in the Wildcats' 49-48 Gildan New Mexico Bowl win over Nevada. 

As mentioned by Berk, Dozier was the first player to commit to Rodriguez at Arizona on Jan. 13, 2012. The former composite 3-star chose the Wildcats over Arizona State, UCLA, Washington and others.

Three days later, Conwell became commit No. 2 for Rodriguez in Tuscon. The composite 3-star of Upper Saint Clair, outside of Pittsburgh, Pa., pulled the trigger for UA over Maryland, Pitt and others.

Brad Allis of 247Sports.com detailed Arizona's depth issue at linebacker after the departure of Conwell and Dozier.

Allis compiled a list of 10 linebackers who are not currently playing for the Wildcats for a variety of reasons, including transfers, a late decommitment, and now three retirements due to concussions.