A four-star recruit (Rivals.com) who signed with USC in 2008, D.J. Shoemate‘s career never quite took off even after transferring to UConn in 2010. Now, it has unfortunately been cut short altogether.
According to Desmond Conner of the Hartford Courant, Shoemate’s playing days are done after the senior had offseason shoulder surgery last week stemming from a dislocated shoulder he sustained last season against Iowa State. Apparently, Shoemate knew the injury was career-ending for at least a couple of weeks.
Here’s Conner’s Q&A with Shoemate.
Additionally, UConn coach Paul Pasqualoni offered the following statement:
“He’s a great kid. We just scoped it and it’s the recommendation of the medical staff, the sports medicine training staff, that he not play for fear of down the road problems.” Pasqualoni said after practice. “He’s in good position to get his degree. So he’ll get his degree. He’s very disappointed obviously. This is not easy for him. He’s going to finish out the week with us. He will be on one of the teams.
“I really like him. I said to him the other day, ‘you know it’s amazing the difference a year makes’ because a year ago, geez, he was tearing it up, ripping it up out here in spring ball.’”
Shoemate finishes his career with 38 carries, 145 yards and a touchdown.