RU’s star cornerback Blessuan Austin out for the season
He tore his ACL
With news of the NCAA penalties against Rutgers due to lack of compliance to regulations and a pretty irritating loss to Nebraska, you would think Rutgers football had suffered enough.
But today, we received another blow. The star cornerback, Blessuan Austin has been taken out for the season due to a torn ACL.
Announced by coach Chris Ash, Austin tore his ACL during the third quarter in Saturday's game against Nebraska. Austin is our star conerback who has made a name for himself in and outside of Rutgers stadium. Austin may be eligible for a Medical redshirt* due to his injury being within the first four games.
To replace Blessuan Austin would be a feat but that is exactly what coach Ash is going to try to do.
According to NJ.com, Ash said: "As most of you know, Blessuan Austin came out of that game (with an injury),'' Ash said. "It was confirmed yesterday with an MRI that he has a torn ACL and will miss the rest of the season. A blow for our team, but an opportunity for Damon Hayes to step up to be the full-time starter. He played in place of Blessuan and did some good things. He has to continue to improve and develop. But I really like Damon and excited for him to go out and have this opportunity and be a full-time starter.''
Beloved by many Rutgers football fans it is a sad occasion to have lost one of our best players. Hopefully Austin will be up and running in no time flat (pun intended).
In the meantime, it looks as if Damon Hayes is getting a chance in the spotlight and we have a new conrerback to support and cheer on.
Good luck Daman Hayes and Happy Recovering Blessuan Austin!