Tyler Nero Western Carolina

Auburn defensive lineman Tyler Nero (91) runs up field against Western Carolina Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013, during the fourth quarter at the Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com)

-- Defensive lineman

Tyler Nero

's football career at Auburn is on the ropes.

The reserve defender will take a "medical redshirt" and will complete his undergraduate degree at the school after collapsing in practice during a practice in the spring, coach

Gus Malzahn

said Monday. It's possible Nero could rejoin the team as a student assistant coach, but it appears his playing career has ended.

"Great kid," Malzahn said. "We wish him nothing but the best."

while Auburn was going through its pace drills. The reason for his collapse has not been released. Nero was carted off the field and hospitalized at East Alabama Medical Center.

Doctors ran tests on the Atmore native, but details surrounding the medical issue and whether it stemmed from a preexisting condition have not been released to the public.

"Any time any player gets hurt, as a coach, you're definitely concerned," Malzahn said in March.

About 10 of Nero's teammates visited him in the hospital. Teammates at the time believed the health issue was not serious.

Nero (6-2, 285), a sophomore, played in one game as a redshirt freshman in 2013 and had one tackle.

The Atmore native out of Escambia County High was ranked the 10th-best player in the state in 2012 and was rated a four-star prospect by the major recruiting services.