Senior Conor Hanratty has a final year of eligibility remaining. But before he explores whether to continue his football career, he’ll undergo medical testing after suffering three concussions in the last calendar year.
Per a BlueandGold.com report from Lou Somogyi ($), Hanratty will be undergoing tests at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to determine the severity of these brain injuries with Dr. Joseph Maroon, who also works with the Pittsburgh Steelers and is one of the leading voices on concussions. According to Somogyi, Hanratty suffered a concussion in last December’s Pinstripe Bowl, one during August training camp and another in the practices leading up to the bowl game.
If healthy, the return of Hanratty in 2015 is still a question mark. With a recruiting class that could still expand for a few more select players, bringing Hanratty back as a key reserve for a fifth year is likely a luxury. Younger players like Colin McGovern, John Montelus and Quenton Nelson are options to move up the depth chart at guard if the Irish legacy isn’t part of next season’s plans.
But Hanratty could likely catch on for a fifth year -- likely teaming up with either Chuck Martin at Miami or Bob Diaco for his home state UConn Huskies if he thought the path to the playing field was open. But he’ll have to determine if continuing playing is worth the risk.
After not seeing the field as a freshman, Hanratty played six games in 2012 as a reserve. In 2013, he moved into the starting lineup in four of the final six games of the season.
Hanratty started the opening three games of 2014 before a shift moved Nick Martin and Steve Elmer to guard. Hanratty saw action in eight more games, not dressing for the Music City Bowl or seeing the field against Syracuse.