Fighting Illini head football coach Lovie Smith announced after Friday's practice that sophomore wide receiver Mike Dudek will miss the 2016 season with a torn ACL. Dudek, who missed all of 2015 with an ACL tear to the same knee, was injured in a non-contact drill on Saturday (April 2) during the Illini second spring practice.
"Mikey Dudek will have season-ending surgery next week," Smith said to gathered media after Friday's practice. "It's really unfortunate. He worked himself hard to get back out here this spring and was excited about the season. Nowadays you can have successful surgery and come back as strong as ever and that's what we expect from him. He's a great competitor, a great guy. He's well liked by his teammates. Everybody is feeling for him, but they all know what type of guy he is. He'll go through this process again and will be on the road to recovery before you know it."
A native of Naperville, Illinois, Dudek broke school freshman records with 76 catches for 1,038 yards in 2014, totals that rank fifth and seventh, respectively, on the Fighting Illini single-season lists. He also tied with College Football Hall of Famer David Williams for the UI freshman receiving touchdowns record with six.
Dudek earned several freshman All-America honors following his huge 2014 season, including ESPN.com, Scout.com and 247sports.com, and was a second-team All-Big Ten selection while helping the Fighting Illini to a Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl appearance. He was the Big Ten's top receiver during conference play, posting 50 catches for 716 yards (89.5 yards per game) and three TDs in eight league games. He also led all FBS freshmen in receiving yards per game on the season (79.8 ypg).
Friday evening's practice was the team's second in full pads this spring. Unseasonably cold temperatures, wind and even a few snow flurries made for a tough day on the field, but by the time practice was over the sun was shining in Memorial Stadium. The Illini will come right back with a Saturday afternoon practice before an off day on Sunday.
Practice No. 4 Tweets
