The Miami Hurricanes announced this afternoon that an injury suffered during the Orange Bowl will end the playing career of standout sophomore cornerback Malek Young, according to a Sun-Sentinel report:
Young, who was injured in Miami’s 34-24 loss to Wisconsin in the Orange Bowl last month, is set to undergo career-ending surgery on his neck, the school announced Sunday.
“After discussions with my family and the UM medical staff, we have determined that my football career should come to an end,” Young said in a statement released by UM. “I look forward to getting healthy, working towards my degree and continuing to support my teammates, as I know they will continue to support me.”
Young started 10 games for the Hurricanes this past season, and was the first player to don the team’s now-famous Turnover Chain, which exploded into a whole Thing as Miami’s 21st ranked defense produced 17 interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries, and 44 sacks (fourth most in college football) on the season.
Young left for the locker room during the first quarter of Miami’s Orange Bowl loss to Wisconsin, without any particular red flags. His absence was most notable for how Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook ate up his replacements en route to a four touchdown performance. That Young’s injury could be particularly serious, let alone career-ending, registers as a pretty shocking development.
Young is the second sophomore from Miami’s 2017 squad whose career has been cut short by injuries, after linebacker Jamie Gordinier announced his retirement due to persistent injury problems, including two major knee surgeries. Hurricanes coach Mark Richt announced that Young will remain on a full scholarship at Miami.