PSU’s Walker with torn ACL; PSU career ends

Von Walker
Von Walker

UNIVERSITY PARK — A Sunday MRI confirmed the worst fears: Penn State special teams specialist Von Walker sustained a season-ending injury in Penn State’s 39-0 win over Rutgers last Saturday night.

Walker, a senior captain from Mill Hall, was hit from behind on an illegal block while on punt coverage in the second period. He needed assistance from the field and did not return.

A family member told therecord-online the MRI disclosed a torn ACL and a torn meniscus in Walker’s left knee. Walker’s father, Tim, said surgery will be scheduled in the near future and the Penn State senior faces six months to one year of rehabilitation. He had been hoping to be a participant in an NFL pro scouts day scheduled for Penn State seniors next March.

Meanwhile Walker is scheduled to be part of Saturday’s senior day observance before Penn State’s final regular season game against Michigan State. He will graduate next month in three and a half years and is to accompany the team on the remainder of its season. Commencement will be Dec. 17, Walker obtaining a degree in communications.

Word of the severity of the injury brought a continual flow of social media thanks to him for his contributions to Central Mountain High School and Penn State football, many lauding him as a role model for area young people.

He had missed only two games previously in his 4-year Nittany Lion career, one game due to a concussion, another because of a shoulder injury.

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