Redshirt freshman T.J. Watts first competitive season with the Illinois State football team ended a few games early after he fractured his left fibula, Saturday afternoon, in the Redbirds' 35-14 win over Southern Illinois.
Watts suffered the injury on the final drive of the game after a 6-yard gain for a Redbird first down with two minutes left in the contest.
Obviously, this is really unfortunate for T.J., head coach Denver Johnson said. He is a promising young back that had an opportunity to get more carries this season. We look forward to him coming back for spring ball next year and expect him to challenge for the starting tailback position.
Watts ranked fourth on the team in rushing with 123 yards on 18 carries, for a 6.8 yard per rush average. He also had one touchdown on the season on a 29-yard scamper versus Quincy, which was his longest rush of the season.
The Dunnellon, Fla., native is the younger brother of former Redbird Willie Watts, who posted back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 2000 and 2001.
