Jonah Llanusa was really looking forward to heading home for the holiday break. The Oklahoma native was eager to spend quality time with family and getting some comfort following a difficult first semester at the Naval Academy.
Considered one of the jewels of Navy's incoming recruiting class, Llanusa underwent wrist surgery and was sidelined for almost the entire football season. Having to watch practice every day wearing a cast and a sweatsuit was a bitter pill for the plebe, who was already dealing with the adjustment to the military and academic demands of the academy.
Sadly, Llanusa's mental health respite to his hometown brought more heartbreak.