A week ago, Bo Pelini was extolling the progress Charles Jackson had made this past spring as Nebraska’s nickel cornerback.
Now, Pelini and his defensive coaching staff must find a replacement.
The NU head coach announced Thursday night that Jackson a knee injury severe enough that he will require surgery. That surgery and subsequent rehab will keep him off the field for the entire 2014 season.
Jackson suffered the injury shortly after summer camp began Monday.
“It’s a tough blow because he’s put a lot of work and a lot of time into it,” Pelini said, with defensive coordinator John Papuchis adding, “he’s just such a good kid, you hate to see something like that happen.”
Jackson played in all 26 games the past two seasons, mainly on special teams. When he returns in 2015, he’ll have two years of eligibility remaining.