This is a big loss, both literally and figuratively, for first-year head coach Josh Heupel‘s offensive line.
By way of the Orlando Sentinel, the UCF coach confirmed Wednesday that Sam Jackson (not pictured) has been diagnosed with a torn ACL in his knee. The guard suffered the injury late during one of the Knights’ 15 spring practice.
The Sentinel writes that the 6-6, 356-pound offensive lineman “is expected to miss significant time during this offseason and a portion of next season.” Based on what’s usually considered a six-month timeframe for recovery, Jackson likely wouldn’t be available until late October/early November at the earliest.
As a true freshman last season, Jackson played in 12 games for the Knights. Heading into the spring, Jackson was penciled in as one of UCF"s starting guards.
According to the Sentinel, starting center Jordan Johnson slid over to guard for the spring game and is likely to claim one of those two starting jobs at that spot when summer camp opens in early August. Another player who’ll be in the mix on the interior of UCF’s line is Parker Boudreaux, the transfer from Notre Dame who sat out the 2017 season.