[NU Sports] Persa's Status?

[Mike Nolan]

> This isn't really news that's just "coming out" now. Every mention I've seen of Persa's status all spring and summer was that he isn't fully back to 100% playing shape, even if he may be healed from the surgery. The story all along has been about how hard he's working to get ready. Yes, combined with "PersaStrong" and lots of confident talk from Coach Fitz, etc., but nothing has really been hidden about his condition.

I suspect the coaches have been about as open as NCAA rules and federal 
regulation regarding medical information allow.  What Persa chooses to 
tell the media himself isn't subject to the same limitations.

Back when he first ruptured his Achilles tendon, I think it was ESPN
that came up with a list of athletes who had suffered similar injuries.
Most of them had trouble getting back to their previous performance level,
but quite a few of those were several years older, and when coupled with
improvements in medical treatment and rehab over the years, I'm guardedly 
optimistic.

It is good to know that his backup is getting plenty of reps, though.
--
Mike Nolan