MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama running back Brandon Ross’ career appears to be over after his surgically repaired knee continued to give him trouble, head coach Joey Jones said after Saturday’s season opener against UTSA.
Ross had been working back from a knee injury that kept him off the field for a year and a half and required two surgeries.
Promising Preseason
Ross performed well in preseason practices and scrimmages, including a 55-yard touchdown run in one scrimmage. He reported occasional pain and soreness, and he and the team’s doctors had said he would need to work through it and that it would improve.
Before Saturday’s game, Ross began having more trouble with the knee. He stood on the sideline during the game wearing his jersey and sweatpants. UTSA won the opener 33-31 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
Jones: ‘I Really Respect His Decision’
“I think he’s done,” Jones said when asked about Ross after the game. “We had pretty much decided he would have to have a little more surgery again and I don’t think he wants to go through that again, so I think he’s going to hang it up.”
Jones said the decision was “a little bit” of a surprise because Ross had performed well in the scrimmage, but that the staff knew he had been having issues with the knee.
“I think it’s the best decision for him,” Jones said. “I tell you, he’s a heck of a young man and I really respect his decision.”
Program’s First Leading Rusher
Ross led South Alabama in rushing in 2009, the program’s first season, and was leading the team again in 2010 before his injury. He transferred to South Alabama after playing his freshman season at Memphis.
The Jaguars are playing their first season of Sun Belt Conference football in 2012.
