ATHENS — Georgia freshman quarterback D’Wan Mathis underwent emergency surgery at Piedmont Hospital in Athens on Thursday to remove a cyst that was on his brain.
Mathis, an early enrollee from Romulus, Mich, had experienced severe sinus pain brought on by the change in climate, according to his father, Terence Mathis. The sinus issue led to the discovery of the cyst.
“I want everyone to know my son is OK and will be back better than ever because of Coach (Kirby) Smart and the University of Georgia medical staff and coaching staff,” Terence Mathis told DawgNation on Thursday night.
“The procedure today was a success, and I want to thank Coach Smart and Georgia for the way they treated my son and my family through all of this. Coach (James) Coley is at the hospital with my son right now, in fact.”
D’Wan Mathis was in ICU on Thursday night as a precaution, Terence Mathis said.
There will be a follow-up procedure, but Terence Mathis’ understanding is that it’s more routine in nature.
“D’Wan’s mother, aunt and stepmom is down in Georgia at his side,” Terence Mathis said. “Please help us pray for a speedy recovery. It’s not about football right now, it’s about the DawgNation Family we have in Athens.”
Mathis, who attended Oak Park (Mi.) High School, was a former Ohio State commit who signed with Georgia in December.
Mathis learned in the days leading up to signing day that the Buckeyes were recruiting UGA backup Justin Fields through former QB Dwayne Haskins.
Social media tips off D’Wan Mathis that Ohio State recruiting Justin Fields
Mathis completed 15 of his 28 attempts for 113 yards in the UGA spring G-Day Game. He also provided one of the biggest highlights of the spring for the Bulldogs when he caught a double-reverse pass for a 39-yard touchdown from fellow receiver Matt Landers.
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The former 4-star prospect rated as the nation’s No. 11 pro-style prospect on the previous cycle for the 247Sports Composite ratings. That made him the nation’s No. 311 overall recruit.
Mathis’ status for fall drills in uncertain.
The Bulldogs’ other scholarship quarterbacks are junior college transfer Stetson Bennett IV and All-American candidate Jake Fromm.