CSU linebacker Deonte Clyburn will most likely miss the 2016 season after coach Bobo announced on Saturday that the linebacker has a blood clot in his leg.

“Deonte had a situation where he had a blood clot and he’s on medication,” Bobo said. “His last test came back and he still has to stay on that medication. It will be another three months before he is tested again.”

The timetable for Clyburn’s recovery makes it unlikely that the senior linebacker will return at any point in the 2016 season. Clyburn quickly emerged as one of the top defenders for Rams last season, finishing fourth on the team in tackles despite only starting the last seven games of the season. His loss further impacts the depth on the defensive side of the ball not only in the loss of his playmaking ability but also in his leadership.

“Tough deal for him because he is one of our true leaders on our football team and guys really really care about him,” Bobo said.

Clyburn’s position as one of the primary leaders of the team is apparent, and Bobo and Clyburn’s fellow defenders have felt that absence on the field from spring into fall camp. Even though he is not out there playing, Clyburn has had a heavy presence on this football team while he has been sitting out.

The linebacker remains engaged in practice every day, participating when he can. He is still leading the team vocally and working to lift up his teammates.

“He’s got a great attitude,” Bobo says. “He knows he still has a role on this team and he has embraced it.”

Clyburn still has a redshirt year remaining and though Bobo said that no final decision has been made, Clyburn will probably take a redshirt season in 2016. If Clyburn is medically cleared to return next year, he would be able to do so with a medical redshirt in hand. 

“Ultimately we want him to get healthy that’s the first thing,” Bobo said. “If he does get healthy he could have a chance to play next year.” 

Pads on for day three

The third practice of fall camp signaled a wardrobe change for the team.

“You don’t play football in your underwear, which we did the first two days,” Bobo said. “Today you got pads on and there was able to be a bit more tempo, more contact at the line of scrimmage.”

The team put on shoulder pads for the first time on Saturday morning leading to a noticeably more energetic  and competitive practice.

“The energy level goes up,” Bobo said. “Today the energy level went up because they are allowed to compete more.”

Putting on the pads allows for a more competitive practice, but it also gives the coaches a much better look at the way their team looks going full-speed. With more contact at the line of scrimmage, the coaches are able to get a better look at the line play and a more realistic evaluation of the running game.

Injury Watch

• Freshman defensive lineman Christian Colon continued to work with team trainers today wearing a walking boot on his right foot.
• Wide receiver Xavier Williams was in pads today but he did spend part of the day with team training staff.
• Linebacker Tre Thomas and receiver Olabisi Johnson continue to wear red jerseys, limiting them in contact portions of practice.

Collegian Sports Reporter Eric Wolf can be reached by email at sports@collegian.com or on Twitter @Eric_Wolf5