Illini Football Starter Suffers Early Season-Ending Injury

TE Cole Rusk Suffers Season-Ending Injury To His Knee

Illinois Football starting Tight End Cole Rusk announced on his Instagram that he has suffered an injury to his knee. Furthermore, the Junior is out for the remainder of the 2024 season. This highly unfortunate news comes exactly 3 weeks before the Illini kickoff their 2024 season vs the Eastern Illinois Panthers.

Announcement from Rusk Per His Instagram

“Dear Illini fans, after a great offseason and tons of excitement to live out a lifelong dream this season, I’m saddened to say I’ve suffered a season-ending knee injury. I’m already looking forward to coming back even better than before, and I’m in great hands here. I trust in God’s timing and am still incredibly excited for our team to do big things this year. I came here to help us win, and I will do whatever it takes.”

In his last season at Murray State, Cole snagged 6 touchdowns, on 39 receptions, totaling 512 reception yards on the season. The talented Tight End was recruited by Bret Bielema’s staff to provide a more proven threat in the passing attack at the position.

Rusk will have another year (possibly two) of eligibility remaining remaining, depending on if he receives a medical redshirt.

Who Steps Up?

Junior Tanner Arkin, Sophomore Henry Boyer, and Senior Carson Goda, will all be expected to step up into larger roles in the Tight End room. Certainly, Arkin and Boyer are familiar with Barry Lunney Jr’s system, and will be key contributors moving forward. Both talented Tight Ends are proven blockers, and can provide a serviceable choices in the passing game. Tanner stood out during spring ball, according to Illini head coach Bret Bielema, and may be the guy to step up.

Goda, a Division II transfer, may be be Illinois next best option in the passing attack. An All American at the D-II level, Carson hauled in 5 touchdowns, on 48 receptions and 566 total receiving yards.  Certainly, very impressive stats for the Senior, but will his game translate to the Big Ten? You would have really liked to have started him in a decreased role, and let him gradually get a feel for the game. However, as this is Goda’s final season in a college uniform, what a better time for him to step up, than now?

Credit: St.anslemhawks.com

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