Instead of continuing the months-long battle for a starting job in 2012, Henry Dickinson will instead be forced to rehab a significant leg injury in preparation for the 2013 season.
Illinois head coach Tim Beckman confirmed Monday that the linebacker will be lost for the season due to a broken ankle and leg. Dickinson suffered the injury during a scrimmage last week.
“It was an unfortunate thing,” Beck,an said. “He was doing a great job. Henry will bounce back because Henry’s a great person, a great kid and a great football player.”
Dickinson, No. 2 on the depth chart exiting spring, had been in fight with Houston Bates for the starting job throughout the offseason.
As a true freshman last season, Dickinson played in 11 games.