Breaking News: Casey Cochran Retiring

According to the Hartford Courant, UConn starting quarterback Casey Cochran is retiring due to numerous concussions. Cochran missed this week’s game against Stony Brook with a concussion he sustained in the Huskies’ opener against BYU. “We knew one more concussion would be his last” said Jack Cochran, Casey’s father and one of the most successful high school football coaches Connecticut has ever seen.

Cochran finishes the season 17/31 for 171 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. He finishes his UConn career 128/206 for 1464 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. He led UConn to all three of its wins last season. On a bright note, Head Coach Bob Diaco indicated that Casey is interested in coaching and that the staff will help him transition from a player into a mentor.

Replacing Cochran won’t be easy. Senior Chandler Whitmer- who has suffered several concussions himself- is next on the depth chart and while the plan was to redshirt sophomore Tim Boyle, the circumstances are likely to force a change.  It seems likely that Whitmer will start this week’s nationally televised game against Boise State, though that is purely my opinion and Coach Diaco hasn’t outlined his plan. At some point though, it probably makes sense for a rebuilding UConn program to play a sophomore rather than a senior, so my guess is that we will see Boyle on the field sometime later this season.

Casey, it’s a tough break but we’re glad you have your priorities in order. Thank you for your contributions on the field and we look forward to your contributions off the field.

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