Utah’s Star Lotulelei sidelined by heart condition at NFL combine

Utah defensive end Star Lotulelei has been told by the NFL he can’t participate in Monday’s workouts at the scouting combine due to a heart condition that requires further attention, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen first reported.

Lotulelei, a first-team All American projected by many to be a top 10 pick in April’s draft, will undergo further testing back in Salt Lake City later this week after an echocardiogram discovered an abnormality during a physical at the combine.

According to Mortensen, Lotulelei has a low Ejection Fraction, with the left ventricle of his heart pumping at 44% efficiency. A normal range is considered 55% to 70%.

Not allowed to take part in workouts before consulting with a specialist, Lotulelei still plans to interview with teams at the combine and then participate in a full workout at Utah’s pro day next month.

Lotulelei, 6-foot-2, 311 pounds, made first team All Pac-12 in both of his seasons as a starter for the Utes and was the conference’s defensive lineman of the year in 2011.

The news could affect Lotulelei’s draft status as teams could be hesitant to pick someone with such a condition. And, obviously, the most important thing to consider is the player’s well being.

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