Tyler Horn‘s season is over, but his career as a member of the Boise State Broncos isn’t finished.
The school announced on Friday Horn, a senior, will miss the rest of the season due to knee injury he suffered during the Broncos’ opening contest against the Ole Miss Rebels.
Horn injured the knee in the second half of the game only to return to the sidelines wearing a heavy brace. Prior to the injury, Horn had four tackles including one for a loss.
Horn played in 34 games during his career, and his absence along the defensive front leaves a big void.
“He had that leadership role,” defensive line coach Steve Caldwell told the Idaho Statesman. “Sam (McCaskill) did some good things in there, but they have a lot of confidence in Tyler. He’s been around here for a while. (Defensive end Beau Martin) will take over that. Then those other guys just have to step up if (Horn) can’t play.”
Along with McCaskill, senior Justin Taimatuia, junior Antoine Turner and freshman Dereck Boles should be expected to contribute with Horn out of the lineup.
”...Sam is the right guy to step up,” senior nickel Corey Bell told the Idaho Statesman. “He’s been somebody who has been growing underneath guys like Tyler and some of the older guys for a couple years. I think he’s ready to get out there and kind of mature and play at a more serious level and more serious snaps.”
The biggest concern moving forward for Boise State is McCaskill’s lack of size in the middle of the defense. At 250 pounds, teams are going to run right at the redshirt sophomore. McCaskill and the rest of the Broncos played the run well during the team’s 35-13 loss, though. Boise State surrendered only 71 yards on the ground.
Horn, meanwhile, is expected to receive medical redshirt this season and return for the 2015 campaign.
(Hat tip: ESPN Boise 730 AM)