Nov 15, 2014; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) with the ball as North Carolina Tar Heels safety Sam Smiley (3) defends in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Major Injuries to Know About
James Conner – RB – Pittsburgh
The reigning ACC Offensive Player of the Year carried the ball just eight times before tearing his MCL. He will miss the rest of the season. Before the injury, Conner was expected to be a second or third-round pick.
Mike Williams – WR – Clemson
The most serious injury occurred after Williams caught a four yard touchdown pass in the first quarter against Wofford. As he went to the ground he fell head first into the goal post stanchion, leaving him with a small fracture in his neck. The school announced he will be evaluated again in six weeks, at which point the doctors hope to have a timetable for his return. Williams was the No. 3 WR on my board before the injury.
Taysom Hill – QB – Brigham Young
For the second year in a row, Taysom Hill’s season is ended prematurely by a significant injury. After suffering a serious knee injury last year, it’s a fractured foot that has ended his 2015 season. It’s not yet known if he will apply for a medical redshirt and attempt to play in 2016. Hill was a potential late-round pick heading into the season.
Tarean Folston – RB – Notre Dame
In what was supposed to be a breakout season for the junior RB, Folston didn’t make it out of the first game. A torn ACL has ended his season after just three carries. If he played any other position, it would be safe to assume he would return for his senior season, but running backs have far shorter careers, so a jump to the NFL may still happen. Folston had an early Day 3 grade before the injury.
Eddie Vanderdoes – DT – UCLA
Although Vanderdoes doesn’t get the recognition teammate Kenny Clark does on the UCLA defensive line, he’s been an extremely productive player. Especially against the run, he’s been a significant asset to Jim Mora’s defense. Vanderdoes suffered a torn ACL in the third quarter against Virginia and will miss the rest of the season. He was expected to be a Day 3 pick.
Scooby Wright III – ILB – Arizona
Although there were concerns the injury was a lot worse, the 2014 winner of both the Nagurski and Lombardi awards is expected to return in three to four weeks. Wright underwent knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus over the weekend and may only miss one Pac-12 game. If he can return and continue to play at a high level, Wright could be a late-first or early-second round pick.