Earlier today we noted that injuries had forced a pair of Virginia Cavaliers to leave the sport, a couple of thousand miles away to the west, a Pac-12 team has seen a similar development.
According to The Oregonian, running back Damien Haskins and offensive lineman Leo Fuimaono are taking medical retirements and will not play football for Oregon State moving forward. The newspaper notes that while neither was expected to be a starter in 2016, both were expected to be contributors this coming season.
And, of the two, it appears the loss of Haskins might be felt the most. From the paper:He entered spring practice in the mix for reps as the Beavers searched for a reliable second option behind Ryan Nall, who emerged as a forceful runner midway through the 2015 season.
Head coach Gary Andersen highlighted Haskins’ development after an open practice even though the junior was held out. The 5-foot-9, 223-pound back went on to miss the Spring Game two weeks later.
During his time in Corvallis, Haskins rushed for 111 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. He also caught three passes for 26 yards.
The loss of Haskins continues attrition at the position for OSU this offseason as two backs departed the program in late March as well.
Fuimaono was a junior college transfer in 2015 but never played for the Beavers, first because of a torn pectoral muscle and then a spinal stenosis diagnosis that ultimately forced him to step away from the game permanently.