Colorado State running back Kyle Bell is scheduled to have surgery this morning to repair the ACL he tore in his right knee two weeks ago.
If the 6-foot-2, 226-pound junior running back who rushed for 1,288 yards last season ago thought sitting out the opener was excruciating, it was topped only by not participating in the 14-10 victory Saturday over Colorado.
“I feel so helpless,” he said Tuesday. “As much as I looked forward to the season, not playing, especially down in Denver, was one of the hardest experiences of my life. I’m learning to cope. I feel like I’m missing out.”
CSU’s running attack has struggled in his absence, netting 164 yards in two games. Saturday’s opponent, Nevada, represents Bell’s breakout game in his first start in 2005, when he steamrolled for 183 yards on 33 carries.
“Standing on the sidelines, there wasn’t a lot of room to work with for Gartrell (Johnson) and Nnambi (Ohaeri),” Bell said of his backups, who combined for 21 yards on 18 carries against the Buffs. “CU’s defense made it tough, and (quarterback Caleb Hanie) really came through. After the game I wished I could have been out there. I still feel real good (about the win). They are still my teammates even though I’m not playing. We worked together all summer and fall camp.”
Bell takes solace in that all his work helped the defense. CSU ranks No. 1 nationally in total defense and No. 2 in rushing defense. During preseason camp, defensive players said going against Bell had to help because they wouldn’t face a better back.
“They wanted to improve stopping the run,” Bell said. “If there’s one thing I can hang my hat on it was helping by going against the defense.”
Bell said since the Aug. 29 injury he has been working out to maintain his upper body strength. Although teammate Brandon Cathy tore his ACL nearly a month ago and also will undergo surgery this week, Bell had minimal swelling, allowing him to get the operation sooner.
“I’ll go right into rehabilitation,” said Bell, who will use a redshirt year and have two seasons remaining when he comes back in 2007.
Kaylor on short list
CSU’s Jimmie Kaylor, a junior from Northglenn, was one of 31 named to the Ray Guy Award watch list for the nation’s top punter. The returning first-team all-Mountain West player is averaging 44.5 yards after two games.
