Art Brown To Miss Season With Knee Injury
August 15, 2003 | Football
Brown, a senior from Winston-Salem, N.C., was C-USA's top returning rusher in terms of yards per game (102.9) from last season. He is eligible for a medical redshirt and is expected to play in 2004.
"We are saddened by the loss of Art to this unfortunate injury. However, I am confident that his work ethic and determination will help him recover and be ready to help us in 2004," Pirate head coach John Thompson said. "This creates an opportunity at that position and we have several talented backs who will now have the chance to step up and make an impact."
Brown was a second team All C-USA pick in 2002 when he rushed for 1,029 yards on 214 carries. He ranked sixth in the nation in scoring as he reached the end zone 17 times (14 TDs rushing, three TDs receiving) and came within one touchdown of breaking the ECU season scoring record. He was 29th nationally in rushing and recorded four 100-plus yard rushing games, including a career high 188 against South Florida. He also had 102 receiving yards in that game to become the first Pirate ever to have 100 yards rushing and receiving in a single game.
Those numbers came despite his missing the last two games of the season with a groin injury. Brown also missed most of the 2003 spring practice with a knee injury.
The tailback position has looked to be one of the deeper areas on the 2003 Pirate team. With the loss of Brown, junior Marvin Townes (76 carries, 204 yards in 2002), senior Dominique Hatcher, junior college transfer Kevin Fain, and true freshman Robert Tillman are expected to be the top contenders for the starting role.
