Eli Thomas
FILE - In this Aug. 29, 2019, file photo, Connecticut team captain Eli Thomas (22) takes part in the coin toss before an NCAA college football game against Wagner in East Hartford, Conn. Thomas, who overcame a stroke to return to school, is among the first six athletes named as finalists for the Hartford HealthCare Courage Award. (AP Photo/Stephen Dunn, File)
College athletes honored with award for overcoming adversity

By Pat Eaton-Robb Feb. 10, 2020 12:17 PM EST

UConn's Thomas won't return to football after stroke

Jul. 30, 2019 03:13 PM EDT
STORRS, Conn. (AP) — UConn coach Randy Edsall says linebacker Eli Thomas won't return to football after suffering a stroke last season. The senior had...

Connecticut quarterback David Pindell (5) celebrates with wide receiver Keyion Dixon (23) after Pindell scored in the first half of an NCAA college football game against SMU, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in East Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Stephen Dunn)
Freeman, Jones help SMU outscore UConn 62-50

By Pat Eaton-Robb Nov. 10, 2018 04:04 PM EST

FILE - In this Sept. 22, 2018, file photo, South Florida head coach Charlie Strong looks on after East Carolina scored during the first half of an NCAA college football game, in Tampa, Fla. Thanks to three fourth-quarter comebacks, No. 21 South Florida remains one of eight unbeaten teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision. (Octavio Jones/Tampa Bay Times via AP, File)
No. 21 USF heavily favored to remain unbeaten against UConn

By Fred Goodall Oct. 19, 2018 01:59 PM EDT

FILE - In this Aug. 30, 2018 file photo, Connecticut linebacker Eli Thomas (22) raises his arms to the crowd as his team enters the field for their season-opening NCAA college football game against Central Florida in East Hartford, Conn. UConn issued a statement Monday, Oct. 15, saying Thomas, a 220-pound junior, was hospitalized after suffering a stroke the preceding Wednesday prior to a weightlifting session. (AP Photo/Stephen Dunn, File)
UConn linebacker hospitalized after suffering stroke

By Pat Eaton-Robb Oct. 15, 2018 11:17 AM EDT

Central Florida quarterback McKenzie Milton looks for a receiver during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Connecticut on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in East Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Stephen Dunn)
Central Connecticut State at Ball State 8/30/2018

Aug. 31, 2018 11:37 AM EDT