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Calvin Hart Jr. was a difference-maker for the Illini in defense in Week 0 against Nebraska.
Unfortunately, that’s all we’ll see from the transfer this year.
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema told media Thursday that Hart had season-ending knee surgery on Wednesday.
Hart, a sophomore who spent his first three seasons at North Carolina State, had a scoop-and-score touchdown just before the half against the Cornhuskers on Saturday.
Calvin Hart Touchdown pic.twitter.com/jS1BmlRnwg
— IllinoisLoyalty (@IllinoisLoyalty) August 28, 2021
Playing alongside senior Jake Hansen, there was a lot expected from Hart to anchor the defense, especially after he was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for Week 0.
In a statement on Twitter, Hart said he realizes injuries are part of the game, but said he will be back “stronger and better than ever before.”
“I appreciate the continued prayers, love and support,” Hart wrote.
THANK YOU ILLINI NATION ... pic.twitter.com/YUCIMJp9Y7
— Calvin Hart Jr (@Hart_cjEra) September 2, 2021
#FamILLy runs deep here through the highs and lows of our journey together #ILL https://t.co/idKYOwTPql
— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) September 2, 2021
In other injury news, Bielema said quarterback Brandon Peters is progressing, but didn’t say if he’d be available for Saturday against UTSA. Expect Art Sitkowski to start still.