At 3-8, Duke hasn’t been on the receiving end of good fortune this season and, as the Blue Devils host rival North Carolina this weekend, it doesn’t appear their luck will change anytime soon.
Starting middle linebacker Kelby Brown suffered a knee injury in Duke’s 30-20 loss to Georgia Tech over the weekend and has been ruled out against the Tar Heels. Brown tore both his ACL and MCL, which will require season-ending surgery.
Just a freshman, Brown was one of the most productive defensive players for Duke. In 9 games this year, Brown recorded 63 tackles and recovered 4 fumbles.
“It is really tough for a freshman to arrive on campus in June and start seven games at middle linebacker, and he did just that,” said coach David Cutcliffe. “We know he is in great hands with our medical staff -- it is the best in the country -- and we’re confident Kelby will overcome this obstacle and be back as soon as possible.”
Brown had missed Duke’s first two games of the season with a preseason injury.