USC Trojans running back Tre Madden was drawing attention after a switch from linebacker in spring ball, but a ligament tear suffered in Thursday's practice will cut that short. Madden will have surgery and miss the 2012 season, as confirmed in a tweet from the USC Athletics Department.
Tre Madden Injury: Ligament Tear puts USC Running Back Out for 2012 Season
USC running back Tre Madden looked like an option in the Trojans’ backfield after switching from linebacker, but will miss the 2012 season after tearing a ligament in spring practice.
USC RB Tre Madden tore a ligament in his left knee at yesterday's practice.He will undergo surgery and miss the 2012 season.
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) April 6, 2012
Madden tore the ligament trying to make a cut in practice, and having played as a true freshman, will presumably redshirt the 2012 season. The sophomore contributed last season in a backup linebacker role, appearing in all 12 games including one start at strongside linebacker but switched to running back in the last few weeks, where he was turning heads.
Although he was an unknown, Madden was likely to play an important role in the Trojans' backfield. Curtis McNeal is the team's obvious starter at the spot, having rushed for 1,000 yards last season, but beyond that, it's unclear. D.J. Morgan rushed for under 200 yards his freshman season while Amir Carlisle transferred to Notre Dame after last season.
For more on the USC Trojans, visit SB Nation’s USC blog, Conquest Chronicles.
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