KALAMAZOO, Mich., Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Western Michigan defensive end Anthony Allsbury, considered one of the premier pass rushers in the Mid-American Conference, will miss the entire 2002 season with a knee injury.
Allsbury suffered a torn MCL and a fractured bone in his right knee in a non-contact drill on Friday. He underwent an MRI on Monday and consulted with team doctors on Tuesday before deciding to undergo surgery next week that will require six months of rehabilitation.
"There is no good time to lose the athletic ability of an Anthony Allsbury, and as a person, I know we are not going to lose him as a leader," coach Gary Darnell said. "He is going to continue to be an important part of our program."
Allsbury, a senior, earned first team All-MAC honors in 2000 and 2001. His six sacks were second best on the team last year, and the sixth-highest total in the MAC. He also finished third in tackles for loss (9) and fourth in quarterback hurries (5) for the Broncos last season.
Allsbury had started the last 18 games, helping Western Michigan rank second in MAC scoring defense the past two seasons. He was named to watch lists for the Lombardi Award and the Bronco Nagurski Trophy.
Western Michigan was 5-6 last season.
