Receiver Colby Erskin, the former walk-on who earned a starting job last fall only to miss the season with a torn knee ligament, may miss the 2008 season after tearing the same ligament last week.
"He tore his ACL," coach Jim Leavitt said Monday after his team's second spring practice. "It just kills me, because he's such a great kid."
Last spring, the Seminole graduate was timed as the fastest player on the team, and he earned a scholarship last fall, only to watch the season from the sidelines. He had recovered well enough that he was listed as a top backup on USF's depth chart entering spring drills. Leavitt said Erskin was working out at Largo High School during spring break when the injured occurred.
Leavitt said he still hoped Erskin would be able to return during the upcoming season, as offensive guard Matt Huners did late last season after tearing knee ligaments in USF's spring game last April.
In other news, walk-on tight end Quincy Okolie will miss spring drills after being diagnosed with mononucleosis. Freshman defensive back Jerrell Young watched practice and said he injured his right hamstring running on the beach Saturday morning.
Times sportswriter Greg Auman, who covers USF, will post news and thoughts on the Bulletin and we invite your participation in the comments area.
Erskin is the real deal people. He's like the most popular person on the team amongst his teammates. The kid is ELECTRIC on the field.
Posted by: S. Tampa | March 20, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Really wanted to see Erskin play this year. I hope its not career ending...
Posted by: kBull | March 18, 2008 at 09:02 PM
Greg just wondering if we could get an update on the sale of USF football season tickets? Any areas sold out? Just wondering if the success from last year carried over to season ticket sales!
Posted by: Rob | March 18, 2008 at 06:53 PM
Great point, Brian R. It could be worse since it's the same ligament, but having the injury 5 months earlier than last year's could mean he gets back for the season.
Posted by: Windbane | March 18, 2008 at 08:51 AM
I hope we get Erskin back. We'll need him for punt returns.
Posted by: Mike Lakeland | March 18, 2008 at 08:04 AM
What a shame about Colby. However, he tore his ACL in August and was healthy enought to play in the bowl game but decided not to play because of the hope of getting a medical redshirt. That's four to five months. Five months from now takes him to mid-August which leaves a decent chance of him making it back for the start of the season.
Posted by: Brian R | March 17, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Poor guy. To work yourself back to top condition and then have the same injury has got to be a terrible feeling. He'll fight back though. He's tough.
Okolie's isn't as bad, but it could cost him a lot of playing time. He probably had a chance to impress the coaches and blew it.
Posted by: Dave W | March 17, 2008 at 09:08 PM
Any word yet on USF making the WNIT?
Posted by: Micah Kushner | March 17, 2008 at 08:45 PM
Ohhh, the kissing disease.
Posted by: Tad | March 17, 2008 at 08:28 PM
god, this kid is injury prone
Posted by: | March 17, 2008 at 07:59 PM