Multiple concussions end David Piland's playing career

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University of Houston quarterback David Piland is ending his football career after suffering multiple concussions, the school announced Tuesday.

"It was not easy to hear that I can no longer play the game that I love, but I know that our medical staff has my best interests in mind," Piland said in a statement.

Piland, a junior who was the Cougars' starter for most of two seasons, had not played since leaving the Sept. 7 game against Temple in the first quarter with a head injury.

It's not clear how many concussions Piland has suffered, but he's had at least two in the past year, "enough to where our medical staff knows for his future and well-being he can no longer play," UH coach Tony Levine said.

Health is top priority

Due to head injuries, David Piland will end his playing career. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) Due to head injuries, David Piland will end his playing career. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Johnny Hanson, Staff Photo: Johnny Hanson, Staff Image 1 of / 74 Caption Close Multiple concussions end David Piland's playing career 1 / 74 Back to Gallery

Levine said Piland was examined by "multiple experts" and went through an extensive concussion management plan during the past month.

After meeting with the school's medical staff and Levine, Piland made his decision Sunday.

Piland was not available for further comment.

"When you are talking about (concussions), it's something we take extremely serious," Levine said. "We're going to take our time and do our due diligence and make sure we have the student-athlete's health as our top priority."

Levine said Piland is no longer experiencing concussion symptoms and has returned to class and is attending team meetings and practices.

"He feels great," Levine said. "His health right now is outstanding. It's deceiving in that he feels he can play, wants to play."

In the meantime, Piland will remain "a major part of our program," Levine said, and he will assist in practice and travel with the team for road games. Piland is taking one class in the fall semester and will graduate with a bachelor's degree in business administration in December.

"We are going to support him in every way possible," Levine said.

In 20 career starts, Piland finishes his career ranked seventh at UH in passing yards (5,790), completions (478), pass attempts (833), touchdown passes (41) and total offense (6,039 yards).

His best season came in 2010, when he was forced into action as a true freshman after Case Keenum suffered a season-ending knee injury and backup Cotton Turner was lost for the year with a shoulder injury.

Accomplishing a dream

In 10 starts last season, Piland threw for 2,929 yards with 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He led Conference USA in passing yards per game (316.5), was second in total offense and ranked third in passing efficiency. Against Louisiana Tech, Piland set an NCAA single-game record with 77 pass attempts without an interception.

Piland, who beat out four other quarterbacks for the starting job, played in two games this season. True freshman John O'Korn will make his third consecutive start Saturday when UH plays Memphis at BBVA Compass Stadium.

"One of my lifelong dreams and goals has been to play quarterback at the collegiate level, and thanks to the University of Houston, I've been able to accomplish one of my dreams and meet one of my goals," Piland said in the statement.

joseph.duarte@chron.com

twitter: @Joseph_Duarte