Former Monona Grove standout and incoming Wisconsin recruit Jaden Gault is taking a leave from UW's football team while battling depression, the Wisconsin State Journal reported Monday.
Gault missed spring practice to seek therapy and plans to sit out the season as a redshirt. On top of the pressures facing all incoming freshman college students, the former four-star offensive tackle prospect endured a trying series of events after completing high school. Six days after Gault helped Monona Grove win the state title, his grandfather, Bill White, died after a lengthy battle with cancer. Nine days later, his 30-year-old uncle, Joe Gavin, passed away after suffering from a blood clot. Gault's official visit to UW in December was delayed, and then he went to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas, on Jan. 4. A few days later, Gault moved into his UW dorm and began football workouts, only to have knee surgery on Jan. 29.
Gault was hospitalized for precautionary reasons after having suicidal thoughts in early February, and once more in March. Per the State Journal, he could return to the team in January if his condition improves.
Again, that's an unfairly tough stretch of events for anyone -- let alone a top in-state football recruit. The State Journal's report has more information, such as how Gault found in an intensive, three-week outpatient care program for treatment. UW has yet to make a statement on Gault, though a sports information official told the paper that Gault's roster status has not changed and that he has the full support of the program.
We wish Jaden the best as he continues to seek recovery. Depression is something anyone can fall victim to, and we hope he knows he has the full support of Badger Nation.