Linebacker Rob Hankins, a starter a year ago, will not play another down for the Wildcats due to a concussion, according to his father, Rob Hankins Sr.

At a weekly Monday press conference, head coach Rich Rodriguez hinted that Hankins career was likely over, although he didn’t exactly confirm that it was the case.

Hankins Sr., posted the following on his Facebook account:

Rob Hankins’ fantastic football career ended at University of Arizona with a serious concussion.

After more than 5 weeks, the concussion symptoms have not entirely resolved. He has worked with an excellent training staff, team doctors, coaches, and neuropsychologists but must now undergo some treatment. The best decision is to retire completely from football. The risks in going forward in football are far too great.

Rob has played a lot of seasons in the last 10 years and had tremendous success playing on undefeated teams, a state championship team at Parish Episcopal and starting four games at middle linebacker for the University of Arizona in the PAC 12 as a true freshman. He and I salute all the wonderful coaches, teammates, mentors, trainers and supporters along this magnificent journey.

Thank you to Coach Rich Rodriguez and Coach Jeff Casteel from Arizona. A very special thank you goes out to a very special coach/mentor in Rob’s life, Head Coach Scott X. Nady at Parish Episcopal. Coach Nady has done so much for Rob and all the kids in his program at Parish.

Rob will continue to support his Wildcat football brothers and his studies in pursuit of a Sports Psychology degree at Arizona.

Hankins has missed both games this season and time in fall camp with concussion-like symptoms,
and was “still being evaluated,” Rodriguez said.

In 2011, Hankins played in only three games before concussion problems sidelined him for the remainder of the season. He had 10 total tackles in his game action.