Bad Spring Breaks

Some key players are on their way back from spring injuries suffered in past years, while others face rehab after being knocked out in spring practice this year. Here's a look.

Making a Comeback

Lee Evans (above), Wisconsin, senior, WR
After setting Big Ten record with 1,545 receiving yards as junior in 2001, blew out left knee in last year's spring game and redshirted for 2002 season. Remained on sidelines as precaution this month for Badgers' Red and White game; expected to be back at full strength for senior season.

Frank Gore, Miami, sophomore, TB
Ahead of Willis McGahee on depth chart last spring before tearing his right ACL; projected as Hurricanes' starter and potential Heisman candidate this fall. Had several impressive practices but sat out final spring game with sore shoulder.

Albert Hollis, Georgia, sophomore, RB
One of nation's top recruits in 2000, he injured his knee in spring practice two years ago and hasn't played since. Went through this spring wearing no-contact green jersey; status remains uncertain.

Randy Boxill, Rutgers, freshman, OL
Signed to play at Miami but didn't make SATs and sat out fall 2001; enrolled in Rutgers following semester, only to suffer torn ACL after being leg-whipped in spring ball; second on the depth chart.

Adimchinobe Echemaandu, Cal, senior, TB
Tore his ACL last spring, shortly after winning starting job. Though Bears coach Jeff Tedford says position is "wide open," Echemaandu made strong case this spring, carrying nine times for 51 yards in Blue-Gold game.

Injured This Spring

Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma, freshman, LB
Blew out right knee on April 12—his 20th birthday—while playing on weak side in annual Red-White game. Team doctors fear he tore his ACL, serious blow to an already depleted linebacking corps.

Jermyn Chester, Clemson, senior, OL
Expected to start at left guard, but college football career is now over after he tore left ACL and underwent reconstructive surgery in March. Had torn right ACL twice, missed entire 1999 season after surgery on that knee.