LINCOLN — It appears that Nebraska will be without another top linebacker for a significant portion of the season.
Sophomore Will Compton suffered a foot injury during Thursday's practice, coach Bo Pelini said in a press release. The severity is unknown at this point, but it's assumed that Compton will be sidelined for more than just one week.
“After practice we were able to confirm that he will be out for some time,” Pelini said. “We have informed his family about the injury, and we will know more about Will's status going forward in the next few days.”
It's unfortunate news for the Huskers, who have already been hampered by several serious injuries during the early stages of the year.
Sophomore Sean Fisher, who had 35 total tackles last year, is out for the season after breaking his leg about two weeks ago.
Offensive lineman Mike Smith (broken leg) and defensive back Anthony Blue (torn ACL) are both done for the season. Tight end Dreu Young (back) could miss at least half the year.
The impact of the injuries is most concerning at linebacker, though.
Without Compton and Fisher, sophomore Eric Martin and junior college transfer Lavonte David would be the two likely starters, at least for Saturday.
But heading into fall camp, Compton and Fisher were considered the top two guys, mostly because of their considerable edge in experience over the other candidates. They each played in all 14 games during the 2009 season.
Compton, the 6-foot-2, 225-pounder from Bonne Terre, Mo., led all returning linebackers with 40 total tackles last year.
Rome, Thompson won't play Saturday
True freshman Chase Rome, who's been making a case to avoid a redshirt year, won't be healthy enough to make his debut Saturday.
Pelini didn't disclose Rome's injury Thursday evening but said that his 6-foot-3, 280-pound defensive tackle will be fine by the start of next week.
Same goes for Brandon Thompson. Pelini said the sophomore offensive lineman won't play Saturday, but he should be ready to go by Monday.
Thompson has been working as a backup at the guard spot.
No revelations on quarterback
As expected, Pelini didn't use the final interview session before Saturday's opener to reveal his plans for the quarterback position.
Will it be Zac Lee, Cody Green or Taylor Martinez leading the offense against Western Kentucky? Pelini said those following the program will have to wait until kickoff to find out the answer to that question and any other QB-related inquiries.
That's about all he said Thursday after practice.
“You'll find out on Saturday,” Pelini said. “I'll answer all the quarterback questions you guys want (after the game).”
Recruiting: No official visitors
Nebraska isn't welcoming any official visitors during the season's first weekend, though it's not something that concerns Pelini.
High school seasons are just getting under way, which makes traveling difficult on the prospective Huskers spread across the country, Pelini said. So a mostly quiet recruiting weekend is understandable.
“It's usually not a really good time,” Pelini said. “But we have a few unofficials.”
There are 13 known members in Nebraska's 2011 recruiting class.
— Jon Nyatawa
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