Possible starting LB for PSU suffers torn Achilles tendon
Posted by Kevin McGuire on June 25, 2014, 8:27 AM EDT
Going into the 2014 season the Penn State roster is still considered to be thin on depth, an effect of the NCAA sanctions levied against the program two summers ago. Now the concerns on defense seem to be a bit more serious. Linebacker
Ben Kline suffered a torn Achilles tendon. The injury could be season-ending
according to Blue White Illustrated.
According to the report, Kline, a redshirt junior, is expected to miss significant time although the estimated timeframe is not known. A torn Achilles is no small injury to rebound from, and even when he is able to get on his feet and move, his mobility will likely be hindered for some time. This is a tough break for a player who has already worked through various injuries since joining the program.
Kline was expected to be a potential starting linebacker for the Nittany Lions this fall, but that looks to be out of the question for now. Kline’s 2013 season came to a premature end last November when a
torn pectoral muscle sidelined him for the final games.
With Kline out of the picture, for now at least, Penn State has just four linebackers on scholarship with any playing time last season.
Mike Hull,
Nyeem Wartman,
Gary Wooten and
Branden Bell should all be at the top of the depth chart for now, but experience is extremely thin at a school with great pride in its linebacker lineage.