Chris Thompson Injury: FSU Running Back Out For Season With Torn ACL [Video]
The Florida State University football program was dealt a crippling blow Monday after it was announced that senior running back Chris Thompson would miss the remainder of the season after tearing the ACL in his left knee.
Thompson, the 11th-ranked Seminoles’ leading rusher, suffered the injury with 12:44 left in the third period of the Noles’ match-up against Miami on Saturday night.
After a seemingly routine tackle on a 32-yard-reception, Tackle remained down on the turf after the play, then was helped to the sideline for further evaluation.
He was then removed from the game and immediately ruled out for the remainder of it.
“He was upset, very disappointed. Having a great year, doing everything right,” coach Jimbo Fisher said Monday. “He’s what’s right about college football. I say it all the time. But this game takes no prisoners. It’s a very unforgiving game.”
Prior to his injury, Thompson has rushed for 47 yards on seven carries, giving him a team-best 687 yards for the season. He also had 248 receiving yards, including 47 more in the Miami game before getting hurt.
According to ESPN, Thompson was closing in on 1,000 rushing yards for the season and had he reached that plateau, he would have been the first FSU running back to hit it since Warrick Dunn accomplished the feat in 1996.
“It’s just so disappointing as far as a character guy. There’s nobody whose as good a character and as hard-working and just a good guy all the way around as Chris Thompson,” FSU kicker Dustin Hopkins told the Orlando Sentinel. “It’s a pleasure knowing him just as a friend and teammate. So it’s frustrating for us, but at the same time, you just have to go up to him and say, ‘Anything you need we’re there for you. You’re in our prayers.'”
In light of Thompson’s injury, coach Fisher said sophomores James Wilder Jr. and Devonta Freeman take over as “co-No. 1” tailbacks.
The two will split carries at the position, as they have all season. Wilder currently leads the team in rushing touchdowns with seven.
