Sophomore running back tears ACL, out for season


Sophomore running back Romello Ross will miss the 2016 season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in practice this week.

"Anytime you lose any player it's tough. You hate to lose anybody," said Head Coach John Bonamego after practice Friday. "Romello was definitely somebody that we were counting on to play a significant role, but when someone goes down it just opens up opportunities for others."

Ross suffered the injury in a non-contact drill during practice while making a jump cut, Bonamego said. 

The program will be using a medical redshirt on Ross to preserve his eligibility. When he returns next season, he will have three years of eligibility remaining.

"Romello is a mentally tough guy. Obviously he's disappointed, but that's what life is about," Bonamego said. "You're measured by how you react to the bad times and how you rebound from adversity setbacks. That's what measures you as a man. I think he'll use it as motivation to come back stronger and better than next year."

The 5-foot-10, 200 pound Detroit native finished strong for the Chippewas last season, capping off his true freshman season with 128 all-purpose yards and a touchdown against Minnesota during the Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit. He finished the year with 247 yards rushing and four touchdowns.

Coming into this season, Ross was fighting for starting duties and carries with the likes of senior running back Jahray Hayes, junior Devon Spalding and junior Jay Roberson. Freshman Kumehnnu Gwilly has also impressed coaches during fall camp.

"We have a couple freshmen in the mix that we expect will have some opportunities as well," Bonamego said.

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