Fort Collins — Colorado State senior linebacker Deonte Clyburn could miss the entire 2016 season because of blood clotting, coach Mike Bobo said after practice Saturday,
Clyburn learned before spring camp that he had an issue and has been receiving medication ever since. He recently was tested and the results came back negative, meaning he must remain on the medication. It also means he can’t have contact.
“It will be another three months before he gets tested again,” Bobo said. “The main thing is we want to keep him safe and healthy. You can’t put him out when he’s on the medication for a blood clot. Tough deal for him, because he is one of our true leaders on this football team.”
Clyburn, who ranked fourth on CSU’s defense with 74 tackles last year, wasn’t a starter until the seventh game. He had grown into an emotional and vocal leader for the defense. He played as a true freshman and has appeared in 39 games over the past three seasons. He still has a redshirt year to use.
Bobo said Clyburn has handled the setback well.
“There’s no doubt he’s crushed, but I had a teammate that had a blood clot after a surgery and died, and we didn’t realize it,” Bobo said. “I was glad we caught it (with Clyburn), glad we got him on the medication. He’s healthy right now; we just can’t put him out there.”
CSU loses production and depth with Clyburn sidelined, but Kevin Davis, Kiel Robinson, Tre Thomas and Josh Watson have started games at linebacker for the Rams.
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