Surgery ends Jason Fox's UM career

ORLANDO -- This wasn't the way things were supposed to end for Jason Fox. 

But after 47 career starts at tackle (third most ever at UM), his Hurricanes' career is now officially over. UM coach Randy Shannon announced Saturday that Fox has had season-ending "lower extremity" surgery. According to Canesport.com, Fox currently has an immobilizing brace on his left knee.

"We've really appreciated all of Jason's efforts this season as well as throughout his career," Shannon said in a statement released by the school. "He's had some nagging injuries this season and has played through the pain to the point where we as a coaching staff and athletic training staff feel like it would be best for him to not play in the bowl game. Jason has a bright future ahead in football and he needs to be 100 percent going forward."

Fox earned first team All-ACC honors this season. He was a two-time ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week after wins over Oklahoma and Virginia. Through 11 games he graded out at 96 percent with 20 pancake blocks and 15 lumberjacks and allowed just one sack this season.

Fox missed the final regular season game of the year with what was first reported by WQAM as an irregular heartbeat. Junior Orlando Franklin started in his place at left tackle against USF, while freshman Brandon Washington got the start at left guard.

The Hurricanes are practicing Saturday and Sunday, but will take Monday off before resuming practice Tuesday. UM is scheduled to leave for Orlando on Christmas day.

Comments

[OMFG_Ginn]

What is the point of calling it a lower extremity injury? Seriously. The guy's career is over at UM. You gain no advantage by hiding the specifics.

[g-man]

Tough way for Fox to go out. Thanks for everything J-Fox. True leader and warrior wth a bright future at the next level.

I applaud the coaching staff for not only putting what's best for his future first, but also the future of the o-line as this game will be a great measuring stick for this line going in to next season.

[WhoCares]

Why do people insist on knowing the details of his injury. What possible difference could it make he's out. Period. He's had a great career, will cheer us on against Wisconsin and will represent da U in the NFL.

Good luck Jason. Thank you and all the best in the future.

[HR]

Thanks for everything Jason! You will be missed. We wish you much success in your future.

[Aquabug]

Good luck to mr. Fox
I have been thinking about the nix decommit and recruiting in general.
Here,s where inet out on it.
You can play anywhere but why nit at an internationaly recognized university that graduates 100% of their football players.
Football is fun and getting to the next level obviously rewarding but after that comes real life.
A UM degree will get you pretty far.
Parents are you listening...

[305]

OMFG
And what purpose would it serve by Coach Shannon telling you what the injury is?
You so called fans that worry so much about how RS lists injuries need to get a life.
If a kid is hurt then hes hurt, what the heck should it matter what the exact injury is

[Dyrty Dawg]

What is the point of calling it a lower extremity injury? Seriously. The guy's career is over at UM. You gain no advantage by hiding the specifics. Posted by: OMFG_Ginn | December 19, 2009 at 01:42 PM

Get over it!

[Imyahuckleberri]

Congrats on a great career jason hope you have a good surgery

[MRA]

From Manny's twitter: Canesport.com reporting OL Brandon Linder and Jermaine Barton from St. Thomas Aquinas have committed to UM.

[Cane4Life]

Jason, thanks for all that you've done and accomplished at UM. I also appreciate the way that you handled yourself on and off the field. You are a great representative of the university and football team. I hope that the surgery goes well and that you are all well by the time that the combines roll around. I look forward to seeing you represent the "U" in the NFL. All the best, Mr. Fox!!!!

[sl]

Fox is a great player who always played great. I hope his injuries do not slow down his NFL carrer. Thank you Jason.