While UCLA’s Pac-12 opponent this weekend could be getting back its star linebacker, the Bruins have lost their own.
Myles Jack sustained a knee injury during practice Tuesday following the Week 3 win over BYU, with the speculation being that the injury was a significant one. Unfortunately, that turned out to be the case as head coach Jim Mora confirmed Wednesday that Jack will miss the remainder of the 2015 season.
Mora declined to reveal the specific nature of the injury.
Regardless of the specifics, it’s a significant blow as Jack is one of the premier linebackers in the country. It’s also significant insomuch as the Bruins had previously lost key defensive contributors Eddie Vanderdoes (ACL) and Fabian Moreau (Lisfranc) for the year due to injury as well.
Jack is one of the most dynamic playmakers on that side of the ball in college football. Just last week, his late-game interception sealed the Bruins’ come-from-behind win over the Cougars.
With Jack sidelined, junior Isaako Savaiinaea could be the pick as the All-Pac-12 player’s replacement.
Whether Jack ever plays another down for the Bruins remains to be seen. As a true junior, Jack will be eligible for the 2016 NFL draft; whether this injury pushes him into an early leap for the professional ranks remains to be seen.