UW's Zander Neuville, who recently gained a sixth year of eligibility, suffers season-ending injury
MADISON – Tight Zander Neuville entered Wisconsin’s off week optimistic he would be deemed ready to return to the field for UW’s Big Ten opener Sept. 21 against Michigan.
“In a perfect world it would be Michigan,” the sixth-year senior told the Journal Sentinel recently. “As soon as possible I would say.”
Neuville’s dream was ruined this week when he suffered another injury, one that ended his season before it began.
"Football just wasn't meant to be," Neuville said, "but I have no regrets about trying again."
Neuville, who suffered season-ending knee injuries in 2017 and ’18, was granted a sixth year of eligibility in August. He spent the month working with UW’s strength and conditioning staff.
“Depending on how I do during the bye week,” Neuville said recently, “we’ll probably re-evaluate and go from there.”
UW's offensive coaches anticipated Neuville's return would bolster the tight end depth, which had been hit by injuries.
Gabe Lloyd (leg) was lost for the season in camp. Luke Benzschawel (knee) went down in camp and could miss most of the season. Freshman Hayden Rucci (arm) has not played this season. Freshman Clay Cundiff (head) made his UW debut last week against Central Michigan.
“I think he, without saying a word, brings grit, brings toughness, brings consistency," offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph said recently when asked about Neuville. "All those things that you preach as a coach, he is a standing example of it.”
For now, UW's top two tight ends are redshirt sophomore Jake Ferguson and redshirt freshman Jack Eschenbach, a walk-on from Illinois.
Neuville suffered a torn ACL in his left knee last Oct. 2, just four days before UW was scheduled to host Nebraska. His 2017 season ended after he tore the ACL in his right knee in the regular-season finale at Minnesota.
His focus was on getting admitted to medical school but that plan was altered when he was granted the sixth year.
“I obviously didn’t think I was going to be coming back for a sixth year,” he said recently. “So the last month has been kind of a whirlwind.
“But I’ve had a ton of fun this fall just working out and just being back with the guys.”
His plan was altered again this week.
"While this is disappointing," Neuville wrote on Twitter, "I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I had this year and throughout my time at Wisconsin...
"Although I will be closing the book on football, I am excited to pursue my other passion by beginning medical school next fall.
"For now, I'm excited to watch our team have a special season this year."