FAYETTEVILLE — It is more than five months before Arkansas goes on its first road trip under Chad Morris, but a development this month could affect the Razorbacks' game at Colorado State on Sept. 8.
Collin Hill, Colorado State's presumptive starting quarterback, suffered a torn ACL while playing basketball earlier this month and will miss the Rams' spring practice. Colorado State coach Mike Bobo addressed the injury Monday.
“I was just heartbroken for that kid and how hard he’s worked,” Bobo said, according to the Denver Post. “He’s really had a great offseason in our fourth-quarter program. He stepped up as far as being a vocal leader, on and off the field.”
It seems unlikely that Hill would be able to return for the season, especially the early portion that includes the Arkansas game. ACL injuries typically take 9 to 12 months to rehabilitate and this is Hill's second ACL tear on the same knee. He also tore it during a game against Utah State on Oct. 8, 2016, and redshirted the 2017 season.
As a freshman, Hill played in five games and started three times. He completed 75 of 129 passes for 1,096 yards and 8 touchdowns, and also rushed for a 51-yard touchdown.
Hill is the only quarterback on the Colorado State roster with starting experience. The Rams are looking to replace Nick Stevens, who started 13 times during a 7-6 campaign last year.
Other quarterbacks on the roster include redshirt junior J.C. Robles, who has played in four games as a backup, and redshirt freshman Justice McCoy, who redshirted last season. Bobo said he is actively recruiting a graduate transfer at the position, according to the Post.
Colorado State is scheduled to play twice before the Razorbacks come to Fort Collins - at home against Hawaii on Aug. 25 and against Colorado in Denver on Aug. 31.