UConn's DE Marcus Campbell Out for the Year With a Torn ACL

Injuries are always something that you want to avoid during the preseason.  The only problem is that they are going to happen.  Unfortunately for UConn defensive end Marcus Campbell a torn ACL that has ended his 2010 season.

This is terrible news for the Huskies.  Campbell worked hard last year and got his grades up in order to be ready to play this season.  It was a simple non-contact drill where the quarterback planted and went one way while Campbell's ACL gave out.

Campbell a speedy defensive end from Bloomfield, CT was expected to start the season at defensive end with Greg Lloyd already out for the season.  Luckily for UConn they still have two experienced players to step it up in Trevardo Williams and Jesse Josephs.

But this is sad news for Campbell and his teammates.  He worked day in and day out to be prepared to make an impact on this defense.  He apologized to his teammates after he realized he would be done for the season, but injuries can't be controlled. 

Linebacker Scott Lutrus made it clear that players now have to step it up and that Campbell was just trying to make a play during the non-contact drill.  During the spring in March and April it was clear that Campbell could be a difference maker.

Now with this injury, he will have to be a leader off the field, and once again make a grueling comeback from what has been a very difficult couple of years.

Losing an emerging starter in the middle of August always puts teams in a bind.  Coach Edsall realizes this and sent a message to his team letting them know that other guys have to come through on the defensive side of the ball.

Reserve redshirt sophomores A.J. Portee and Teddy Jennings both who have seen limited action now have to capitalize on this unfortunate event.

Marcus Campbell will be missed, but this UConn defense will have to regroup and be ready for the season opener at Michigan on September 4.