September 17, 2009

Jeff Johnson

CHAMPAIGN, Ill - University of Illinois head football coach Ron Zook announced today that junior linebacker Martez Wilson will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck.

"We feel awful for Martez," Zook said. "He worked so hard and had such a great offseason. I'm really proud of him for that. You never want to see injuries happen, but we feel that we were able to catch this in time to ensure a successful surgery and recovery for Martez. I feel confident that he will return from the injury stronger and with more determination next year. We talk about adversity and our team knows others will have to step up and fill his shoes. I think they are ready to do that."

"Of course, I am upset and frustrated, but you can't control injuries," Wilson said. "The biggest thing for me is that I have a lot of support around me with my family, the coaches and my teammates and they will help me get through this. I was really looking forward to being a leader on this defense, but I can still do that from the sidelines. I will get healed and make sure I am 100 percent for next season."(Information courtesy University of Illinois sports information)

Later in the day, Zook said he expected Wilson to miss three to seven months of football depending on when they will perform the surgery. Wilson will apply for a medical redshirt and be back next season as a junior. Zook also said that he wouldn't move sophomore outside linebacker Ian Thomas to the middle to replace Wilson. Instead, in the three linebacker sets, redshirt freshman Evan Frierson will replace Wilson in the middle against Ohio State next week.