Posted by ESPN.com's Graham Watson
Akron sophomore running back Dale Martin will miss up to six months after tearing his Achilles tendon during the team's final spring practice on March 12.
The injury happened late in the team's scrimmage as he caught a pass in the flat and turned to run up field.
Martin, who sat out last fall after transferring from Louisville, underwent a successful surgery on March 16 and is already in the process of making his way back to the field.
"First, I am happy Dale was able to have surgery as quickly as he did and begin the healing process," coach J.D. Brookhart said. "Dale has battled back from a couple of other injuries and I have no doubt he will do the same this time. We are very encouraged, from the reports after the surgery, and know athletes of his age are able to return from this injury at the same level of speed and mobility as they did prior."
Martin redshirted his freshman season at Louisville and during that year nursed several injuries while on the scout team. The highly recruited running back transferred after he fell to fourth on the Cardinals' depth chart.
Martin was expected to contend for the starting running back spot that was vacated by senior Dennis Kennedy. Alex Allen, who missed most of the season after hip surgery, and Joe Tuzze are the other top returning backs.
"We are keeping our fingers crossed for the best-case scenario and looking forward to having him for the start of fall camp this August," Brookhart said. "This certainly is a setback in the short term, but with a healthy Alex Allen, veteran Joe Tuzze and the other backs we return, we still should be in good shape for 2009 if Martin's return is later."
Watson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Missouri Tigers and the Big 12 Conference for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. She also covered college football recruiting for the Dallas Morning News.
