Myriad on-field injuries led to Jake Fely getting a sixth season of eligibility from the NCAA in July of last year. Now, it’s an off-field incident that will cost him some playing time this year.
Earlier this week, the San Diego State linebacker rear-ended a vehicle that stopped suddenly in front of him. The San Diego Union-Tribune writes that "[a]lthough the air bag in Fely’s car deployed, the senior hit his head on the windshield.”
Fely was subsequently diagnosed with concussion-like symptoms, which will, in all likelihood, prevent the senior from playing this Saturday against South Alabama. The fact that Penn State is on tap the following week, followed by the Mountain West opener against Fresno State the next, could allow SDSU to err on the side of caution when it comes to Fely’s availability this weekend.
Austin Wyatt-Thayer, a JUCO transfer, is listed behind Fely on the most recent depth chart.
In 2010, Fely suffered a lacerated liver that cost him all but three games of his true freshman season but led him to his first medical hardship waiver. In the fourth game of the 2013 season, Fely suffered a broken foot that cost him the remainder of that year and led to the sixth season of eligibility.
In between the injuries, Fely has started 32 games during his time with the Aztecs.