Florida State back Chris Thompson out for season with torn ACL

Tallahassee, FL, United States (4E Sports) – Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher has announced that leading running back Chris Thompson will be sidelined for the rest of the season after tearing ACL in his left knee.

Thompson was on track to become the first 1,000-yard running back since 1996 for the Seminoles (7-1, 4-1 ACC) but injured his knee after making a leaping catch along the sideline against Miami Saturday.

Thompson had totaled 687 yards rushing through seven games, and his 7.55 yards-per-carry average was third among ACC running backs. Last season, he broke his back and missed the final eight games.

“He’s what’s right about college football,” Fisher said, “but this game takes no prisoners.”

“It’s a very big blow to us because of what he is to our team.”But we’ve got two very good guys behind him,” added Fisher.

With Thompson out, Fisher will rely on the tandem of sophomores in Devonta Freeman and James Wilder Jr. to fill the void.

Last year’s leading rusher, Freeman has 140 yards and two touchdowns in his past two games while Wilder ranks third in the conference with seven rushing touchdowns.

Before the injury, Thompson was on target to crack the 1,000-yard barrier, needing to average just 60 yards per game to achieve the feat that has eluded Florida State running backs for 16 years — the longest stretch in the nation.

The last Seminoles quarterback who had a serious run at the accomplishment was Leon Washington, who finished with 951 in 2004.

Aside from his rushing ability, Thompson was also an excellent receiver. He was third on the team with 21 receptions, and his 935 yards from scrimmage trailed only North Carolina’s Giovani Bernard among ACC players.

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