For the second-straight year, Ohio State defensive end Mitchell Melton has been lost for the year to an injury. Head coach Ryan Day confirmed that Melton tore his ACL in the spring game when he met with the media on Friday.
“He’ll be on the road to recovery,” Day told reporters. “I saw him earlier today with his family, and it’s hard when you embrace these injuries because you know it’s gonna be a long road back. And that’s why it’s so important to have Adam Stewart (the team’s physical therapist) still be a part of the program because he’s a big part of their lives and their recovery and their rehab — and he’s the best in the business. So, the good news is we have great resources and these guys are in good hands. The negative is, it’s a long road back to recovery.”
Melton started his career at linebacker, but new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles had moved him to the hybrid/Jack position where he seemed to be making a name for himself. Knowles expressed his disappointment for the third-year player.
“He’s a great kid, and I’m just sad for him,” Knowles said.
.@ryandaytime says Mitchell Melton has a long term injury. pic.twitter.com/Sb6xa24KnO
— Clay Hall (@claywsyx6) May 6, 2022
Despite the loss, Ohio State does have the personnel to absorb this bit of bad news. Other guys like Kourt Williams, Jack Sawyer, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, and freshman Caden Curry are all in the mix and capable of holding down the Jack position.
Melton is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the 2023 season.
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