Oregon State Football: Damien Haskins & Leo Fuimaono medically retire

Two expected contributors for the Oregon State football team have announced that they will retire from competitive football due to medical reasons.

Leo Fuimaono, the 6'2 275-pound, offensive lineman was in the mix to start at center after the graduation of Josh Mitchell. Fuimaono the former three-star recruit, transferred to Oregon State from Los Angeles Harbor Community College before the 2015 season but missed all of last season with a torn pectoral muscle.

Fuimaono was recently diagnosed with spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spaces in the spine. Meaning he is more susceptible to further back and spine injuries. Doctors told him he risked paralysis if he continued to play.  After weighing his options he has made the decision to hang-up his cleats and focus on his long-term health.

The top contenders to win the starting center job are sophomore Yanni Demogerontas and junior Brayden Kearsley who transferred from BYU. Demogerontas is listed as the starter according to the spring depth chart.

Damien Haskins, the small powerful running back from Texas has also medically retired. He finishes his career at Oregon State with 20 carries for 111 yards and one touchdown. He was expected to be a change-of-pace back behind current starter Ryan Nall.

The current options behind Nall include: sophomore Paul Lucas, senior Tim Cook and newcomers Kyle White (a junior college transfer) and incoming freshman Artavis Pierce.

The health reasons behind Damien Haskins retirement are not immediately known, but we wish Haskins and Leo Fuimaono the best as they start the next chapters in their life.