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Jaden Gault enrolled at the University of Wisconsin in January riding a high from winning a state football championship last fall, graduating high school a semester early and competing in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, a showcase reserved for the nation's best prospects.
A four-star offensive tackle prospect and the highest-rated recruit in Wisconsin's Class of 2014, Gault figured to parlay the extra reps he would have gained in spring practice into a meaningful role this season for the Badgers, perhaps as a backup left tackle on one of the best O-lines in the country.
But things changed quickly upon beginning life as a college athlete.
The new demands and pressures caused anxiety for Gault, which spun into depression, and by February the freshman was thinking of ways to end his life.
Luckily, he recognized he needed help and took a leave of absence from the football program, missing spring practice. He dropped two of his spring classes, began working with a psychiatrist and psychologist and participated in a rigorous outpatient care program.
Gault is doing better but has put his first college football season on hold, deciding to redshirt this season and targetting a return to the team next January. From the Wisconsin State Journal:
According to the State Journal, Wisconsin declined to comment on Gault's situation, but an official said he has full support from the program and his spot on the team has not changed.
After his story began to gain attention on Monday, Gault tweeted this:
Gault can still have the successful college football career he envisioned when he moved to Madison only six months ago, as he'll have a full four years of eligibility remaining.
But, of course, most important is his current and future health. Best of luck, Jaden.
