Cincinnati DT Dontay Corleone (blood clots) cleared to play

Field Level Media|published: Tue 3rd September, 13:27 2024

Cincinnati Bearcats defensive lineman Dontay Corleone (2) is double-teamed on a pass rush in the first quarter during an NCAA college football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the West Virginia Mountaineers, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, W. Va.

Cincinnati defensive tackle Dontay Corleone, sidelined since June due to blood clots in his lungs, has been cleared to return to the field, the school announced Tuesday.

The 6-foot-1, 320-pound junior team captain participated on a limited basis during training camp but sat out last Saturday's season-opening 38-20 win against Towson.

Corleone's playing status for Saturday's home game against Pitt (1-0) will be determined later this week.

Corleone was a freshman All-American in 2022 and an All-Big 12 second-team selection in 2023.

"I'm excited to be back on the field with my brothers," Corleone said. "I will continue to lead on and off the field.

"... I also want to thank all of our fans for their love and support throughout this process. For the last few months, I have worked extremely hard to make a return."

Dubbed "The Godfather," Corleone has registered 83 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, six sacks and three forced fumbles in 23 games with the Bearcats.

"Dontay has really worked hard to get to this point, and we are excited to have him back," head coach Scott Satterfield said. "Despite being limited, he has stepped up as a team leader and maintained a steadying influence on the team. We are grateful to our medical staff for implementing a plan that will allow Dontay to play. We will continue to closely monitor him. We are thrilled he is healthy and ready to come back."

--Field Level Media