Alex Reigelsperger arrived at Minnesota as one of the top-rated recruits in the Golden Gophers’ 2018 class. As a top 500 player and an extremely talented defensive end, he was poised to make a huge impact for P.J. Fleck’s squad.

Unfortunately, Reigelsperger’s college career has ended before it ever really got started.

Tuesday, Reigelsperger took to Twitter to announce that he would be medically retiring from football. He cited a “very serious neck injury and concussion” that occurred during spring practices as the reason behind his decision.

“I was in the hospital for around four days, in which I had multiple tests, scans and physical therapy sessions,” Reigelsperger wrote on Twitter. “I am thankful that my injury was not as bad as what it could have been, and I’m very thankful to be healthy.”

Reigelsperger will continue his academic career at the University of Minnesota, pursuing a degree in youth studies.

The three-star defensive end was a member of Minnesota’s 2018 recruiting class. He enrolled at the university in spring 2018 and used last fall as a redshirt season. He did not appear in any games for the Gophers.

Reigelsperger issued a thank you to head coach P.J. Fleck, the coaching staff and training staff in his message.