Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Lack of offensive weaponry wasn’t supposed to be a point of concern for the Florida State Seminoles this upcoming season. With the young, redshirt freshman Jameis Winston ready to take the reins at quarterback, it was beneficial that he was surrounded by a group of experienced skill players. Now, in a matter of a week, he’s lost two offensive outlets he would be able to get the ball to.
In the wake of the arrest of WR Greg Dent last week, triggering the possibility that he may miss the season, it was learned on Thursday that the ‘Noles lost a second potential pass-catching threat.
Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher confirmed on Thursday that TE Kevin Haplea will miss the 2013 campaign following an ACL injury. Haplea, a senior, actually tore the ACL during 7-on-7 practice drills. The former Penn State Nittany Lions transfer will apply for a medical redshirt, and is expected to return in 2014.
The senior was expected to be a valuable part of the offense this season. With there only being three scholarship tight ends on the roster, Haplea was expected to be a viable second option at the position, behind veteran Nick O’Leary.
As of right now, sophomore Christo Kourtzidis is expected to fill the void left by the unfortunate injury.
Haplea was among a number of players that transferred out of the Penn State program last season following the placement of their current NCAA sanctions. Those players were allowed to compete immediately. The TE appeared in 13 games last season for FSU, hauling in three catches for 15 yards, including a touchdown.
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Jack is the ACC College Football Writer for Rant Sports. Follow Jack on Twitter @JackJ14RS
