Fort Collins – The bizarre saga of Texas Christian defensive end Tommy Blake took yet another strange turn Tuesday when Horned Frogs coach Gary Patterson announced the preseason All-American is taking a two-week medical leave of absence, starting with Saturday’s Colorado State game.
Blake was drawing raves from NFL scouts in preseason camp when he bolted for five days to return home. He didn’t dress for the opener against Baylor, then started in losses to Texas and Air Force. Last weekend, he came off the bench in a 21-7 win over SMU and attended Sunday’s practice.
Patterson did not go into detail. The TCU coach would only say: “Just look around the country and you could come up with enough examples to understand it all.”
That could cover everything from ACL tears to concussions to personal problems to substance issues.
CSU coach Sonny Lubick said it does not impact plans for the Rams’ Mountain West Conference opener in Fort Worth, Texas.
“I wish him well. … He had so many expectations,” Lubick said. “I don’t know if it’s a part of it. I know whoever they are going to put in there, we still have to block someone.”
CSU quarterback Caleb Hanie said he felt badly for Blake, but as far as the Rams go, he said, “It’s better for us, but I’m sure they have another guy just as fast.”
Said CSU offensive co-coordinator Dan Hammerschmidt, “That guy has been killing us for three seasons.”
Game on TV … here
Saturday’s 5 p.m. kickoff will be aired on The Mtn. TCU is the only market in the MWC where the channel is not carried by any cable provider. There is no satellite coverage anywhere.
Patterson, like his MWC colleagues, is following the company line. “I haven’t really thought about it, but you don’t get extra points for being on TV,” he said.
As for recruiting exposure in Texas, Patterson said the school just brings in potential recruits to watch the game in person.
MWC commissioner Craig Thompson said Tuesday that progress continues in negotiations with satellite carriers.
Kubiak returns
CSU safety Klint Kubiak returned to campus. He was hospitalized two nights in Houston with a bleeding ulcer.
Staff writer Natalie Meisler can be reached at 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com.
