Just days after getting the good news that transfer running back Amir Carlisle would be eligible for the 2012 season, head coach Brian Kelly announced the sophomore running back suffered a broken ankle in seven-on-seven workouts and will be out for the spring.
With spring practice set to begin on Wednesday, the Irish will be without one of their most intriguing offensive weapons until June, when Carlisle is expected to be ready to resume workouts with the team during summer school. It’s a disappointing development for Carlisle, but one that isn’t expected to hamper his ability to perform next season.
After being the most undermanned position group last spring, even without Carlisle, the running backs depth chart will include George Atkinson, senior Theo Riddick, who has shifted back after spending the last two seasons at wide receiver, returning starter Cierre Wood, and Cam Roberson, who will still be limited as he works his way back from a devastating knee injury. Rising sophomore Cam McDaniel will be spending spring practice working with the cornerbacks.
Carlisle played last season for USC, where the freshman carried the ball 19 times for 118 yards and also had a receiving touchdown, while battling nagging knee and ankle injuries. After wearing the number 41 with the Trojans, Carlisle will don number three for the Irish, taking the number from Michael Floyd.