An impressive spring showing unfortunately won’t result in any playing time this year for Florida State freshman running back Mario Pender. Not because of a loaded backfield or off-the-field issues, but because of injury.
FSU coach Jimbo Fisher announced Monday that Pender, who enrolled early, would miss the season with a groin injury. Pender will have surgery soon and use his redshirt this year.
The Seminoles have options in the backfield. Senior Chris Thompson and sophomores Devonta Freeman and James Wilder, Jr. are back after contributing last year. Freeman led all rushers last season with 579 yards and eight touchdowns, but injuries — Thompson suffered two broken vertebrae in his back during a loss to Wake Forest last season — and poor offensive line play made it difficult for FSU to have even the threat of a rushing attack.
Pender was a four-star member of FSU’s 2012 class, according to Rivals.com.
(Hat tip: Orlando Sentinel)
Ow.