Wisconsin sophomore linebacker Chris Borland, who re-injured his left shoulder for the second time this season in the Badgers’ narrow win over Arizona State, will miss the rest of the 2010 season, head coach Bret Bielema announced on Tuesday.
“After talking with our training staff and with Chris, we decided that the best thing for Chris was to shut him down for the rest of the year,” Bielema said. “Obviously Chris is a tremendous player and a ferocious competitor but after looking at all the options, everyone agreed this was the only option for him.”
He may get a medical hardship season, and thus a year of eligibility back.
NCAA rules state that a player is eligible for a medical hardship if he has not participated in more than 30 percent of his team’s games in the first half of the season and due to an injury or illness that is supported by medical documentation from a physician is unable to compete in the remainder of his team’s games. UW must apply for the medical hardship through the Big Ten at the conclusion of the season.
The Badgers are undefeated, but the way they are winning has impressed no one. The Cheeseheads in Madison have had a lot of anxiety about the team, and this will certainly not help. Borland is one of Wisconsin’s most athletic and talented playmakers on defense.
Last year’s Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Borland played in all 13 games as a true freshman, starting six. He led team with five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries, finished third on team in tackles for loss (10.5) and sacks (5.0) and fifth in tackles (54). In addition to Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, he was a first-team Freshman All-American selection by Sporting News and the FWAA.
Prior to this season, he was named to the preseason watch lists for the Bednarik Award, Butkus Award, Rotary Lombardi Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy.