Iris Prosch, the mother of Auburn fullback Jay Prosch, lost her battle with brain cancer this morning. The fullback played the 2011 season at Illinois in 2011 after his mother had been diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, a grade four cancer of the brain.
Transferring to Auburn to be closer to his family, based in Mobile, the NCAA said Prosch did not have to sit out for a season for changing schools because of his mother’s ailment. Since being at Auburn, Prosch and his sister have made numerous trips home to visit their mom.
Talking about his mother’s sickness in January, Prosch said his mom didn’t want him going far from home for college as a freshman. When the elementary school teacher was rushed to the hospital where she was diagnosed a year and a half ago, Fighting Illini coach Ron Zook sent his blessing with Prosch, who was right by his mother’s side.
“Ultimately, I want to be playing fullback somewhere, and I want it to be close to home,” he said in January.
There has not been an official statement released by Auburn or Prosch, but our thoughts and prayers are certainly with the family.
Prosch made his debut for the Tigers Saturday night in a 26-19 loss to Clemson. The fullback is still expected to have a successful season. Benching 440 pounds and holding the Illinois weight-lifting records in the hand clean and power clean, Prosch is a force in the backfield and one of the best blockers on Auburn’s team.
Prosch’s status is unknown for the Tigers’ SEC opener vs. Mississippi State Saturday.
