Looking to get a fresh start at Texas State after getting the boot from Colorado State, Michael Orakpo will instead spend the next several months rehabbing a rather significant injury.
Earlier this week, TSU head coach Dennis Franchione confirmed that Orakpo will miss the remainder of the 2014 season due to a torn ACL and MCL. The linebacker, who’s the brother of former Texas All-American Brian Orakpo, sustained the injury in this past weekend’s loss to Navy.
Franchione described the injury as “not a pretty sight to see.”
The injury also ends the playing career of the fifth-year season as he will not be eligible for a sixth season of eligibility. It was also a career that reeks of what could’ve been.
In April of 2012, Orakpo, along with two now-former Colorado State teammates, were involved in what was described as the “savage beating” of fellow CSU students. The trio was suspended by the program, ultimately charged with one count each of disorderly conduct, and eventually dismissed from the team.
Orakpo originally intended to transfer to and play for Baylor, but was removed from the roster -- after having his own profile on the team’s official website -- because of the baggage he brought from CSU. He ended up at TSU and would be named second-team All-Sun Belt for his play during the 2013 season.