April 09--Illinois' top player won't be available at the start of the season after the program announced Wednesday that wide receiver Mikey Dudek tore an anterior cruciate ligament.
Dudek, who was a freshman All-American, suffered the injury in a non-contact drill at spring practice. The Associated Press reported it was his right knee.
"This is very disappointing for Mikey, his family and our football program," coach Tim Beckman said in a statement. "He'll have the knee surgically repaired as soon as possible and the doctors feel like he could return to the field in October. Knowing how hard Mikey works, our biggest challenge will be to keep him on pace and not let him push it too hard and too fast."
Dudek, who is from Naperville, broke school freshman records with 76 catches for 1,038 yards, totals that rank fifth and seventh, respectively, on the Illini single-season lists. He also tied College Football Hall of Famer David Williams with six receiving touchdowns, a team record for freshmen.
He was the top conference receiver during Big Ten play, grabbing 50 catches for 716 yards and three touchdowns. He led all FBS freshmen in receiving yards per game with 79.8.
sryan@tribpub.com
