August 19, 1998
GREENVILLE -- Furman Paladins' defensive tackle Brian Conner sustained a ruptured flexor tendon of the fourth (ring) finger on his right hand during Wednesday's morning practice and is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of eight weeks, according to head football coach Bobby Johnson.
Conner, a 6-foot-2, 257-pound rising junior and projected starter at the weak side tackle position, sustained the injury after attempting to rise out of a normal defensive stance. Dew-laden grass, however, caused him slip and injure his hand while instinctively trying to cushion his fall.
"We feel terribly for Brian because he's a player who had started to come into his own late last year and who had worked hard all summer and reported in great shape," said Johnson Wednesday morning. "It was a freak accident. He was just trying to regain his balance. There was no contact."
According to Brian Reese, Furman's head athletic trainer, Conner will undergo surgery within the next two days and will be re-evaluated in approximately eight weeks.
"The flexor tendon is critical for grasping and daily living activities. That's why surgery is needed as soon as possible," added Reese.
Conner registered 170 plays, 21 tackles, and 2.5 sacks In 1997, including 15 stops in the Paladins' final three games. He gained the first start of his career and totaled five tackles and two sacks in Furman's season ending 43-21 win over Chattanooga.
"Our only real concern right now is for Brian. We'll decide who his replacement will be later. I'm confident someone will step up for us in this critical area of our defense," Johnson added.
Sophomore Steve Kupchinsky (Kingpsort, Tenn.), who had been working behind Conner at the weak tackle post, appears to be in line to move up the depth chart after totaling 19 tackles and a sack on 239 plays in 1997. He will help form a contingent of eight new defensive starters for the Paladins this fall.
Furman wraps up its two-a-day practices in shorts and shoulder pads
Wednesday afternoon and goes to full contact work Thursday morning. The
Paladins open the 1998 season against Clemson on Sept. 5.