Arizona State defensive lineman suffers season-ending injury in fall camp
Michael Matus will miss the 2022 season with a torn ACL.
Arizona State head coach Herm Edwards announced the news on Monday, telling reporters that Matus will still travel with the team during the upcoming season and serve as an honorary captain. The fifth-year senior will be sidelined for the year, though. “That’s a big loss for us in a lot of ways, obviously,” Edwards said, via Sun Devil Source.
Matus said he injured the knee last week on a random play. Initially, he didn’t realize he’d torn the ligament and continued on for a few more snaps. An MRI confirmed the injury on Friday.
“One of the main things I’m focusing on now is getting into surgery, getting into the rehab, and taking it day by day,” Matus told reporters after Edwards finished at the dais, via Sun Devil Source. “(Defensive line coach Robert Rodriguez) has done a phenomenal job of bringing up the younger guys and, like Herm says, you’re one hit away from having to go in the game. I’m not worried about the guys we have behind me.”
The Katy, Texas, native had 28 tackles with appearances in 12 games last season for the Sun Devils. He added 5.5 tackles for loss and half a sack. Heading into the new year, he was expected to fill a starting role as a defensive end for the Sun Devils’ line.
Look for third-year sophomore Joe Moore and Travez Moore to compete for snaps in his place. Travez Moore is coming off his own injury that limited him to just three games last season.