Danny O’Neil has shoulder surgery
Danny O'Neil drops back to pass in his debut. (PJ Panebianco/EVT)
SDSU’s starting QB Danny O’Neil had surgery this week to repair damage to his non-throwing shoulder, sources told the East Village Times.
The timetable for O’Neil’s return is uncertain, but it was a significant surgery that could have him out for an extended time. His full participation for winter conditioning and possibly Spring Camp are in question.
As a true freshman, O’Neil started 11 games. He threw for 2,181 yards and 12 touchdowns.
With O’Neil’s status uncertain this offseason, SDSU currently has three signal callers available on the roster. Javance Tupou’ata-Johnson, the backup in 2024, announced his intention to transfer yesterday.
Kyle Crum and incoming true freshman JP Mialovski are two of the QBs expected in camp. AJ Duffy, also with the team, was at Snapdragon Stadium for the team’s final game against Air Force, but his place with SDSU is unknown as he works his way back from an off-the-field issue.
The Aztecs were expected to bring in a transfer to compete before Tupou’ata-Johnson made his intentions known. Central Michigan’s Bert Emanuel Jr is the only quarterback who has gone public with an offer from SDSU. Emanuel has been more of a rushing threat as an underclassman.
O’Neil’s shoulder was likely hurt during the Washington State contest. He missed two series against the Cougars before returning for the remainder of the year. The young signal-caller also injured his knee against Oregon State, which caused him to miss a start against Cal.
One of the concerns of starting O’Neil this season was his small stature and how that might open him up to injury. Those questions proved found as he was rarely 100% all year.
During the season, intrigue at the position centered on if Tupou’ata-Johnson could take playing time away from O’Neil. With this development, it will be interesting to follow if last year’s starter is able to reclaim the top spot in 2025.
My earliest sport’s memory involve tailgating at the Murph, running down the circular exit ramps, and seeing the Padres, Chargers and Aztecs play. As a second generation Aztec, I am passionate about all things SDSU. Other interests include raising my four children, being a great husband and teaching high school.
Aztec’s announced outgoing transfer list looks to have possibly gutted the team. Will some of the coaching staff be next to go? How long until these new signees and transfers can contribute, and will they be at least as good as players they replace? I think they need to be better, otherwise next season could mirror this one. And, what ever happened to Keenan Christon? Questions, questions. There is unease among more than a few Aztec fans, that SDSU’s administration was in too much of a hurry in choosing a new coaching hire. Remember a couple of years ago when some of the administration breathlessly announced to the MW that SDSU was going to say adios, and rush to the warm embrace of the PAC12?