Mike Dudek was one of Illinois’ top player on offense last season. (Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports)
Illinois wide receiver Mike Dudek susffered a torn ACL during a non-contact drill during spring practice on Wednesday morning in Champaign, Ill.
Dudek, who is expected to miss the start of the 2015 season, emerged as one of the top young receivers in the country last year, leading all FBS freshmen in yards per game with a 79.8-yard average. He was named second-team All-Big Ten and led all receivers in conference games with 50 catches for 716 yards and three touchdowns.
With 76 catches for 1,038 yards in all games, Dudek broke school freshman records.
“This is very disappointing for Mikey, his family and our football program. He’ll have the knee surgically repaired as soon as possible and the doctors feel like he could return to the field in October,” Illinois coach Tim Beckman said. “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.”
