Duke starting CB Bryon Fields out for season

Duke will be without one of its defensive starters for the entire 2015 season.

Blue Devils head coach David Cutcliffe announced Wednesday that cornerback Bryon Fields suffered a torn ACL in his right knee on Tuesday.

"The cruelest element of college football – and for all of college athletics – is injury, and we certainly feel heartbreak at this time for Bryon and his family," Cutcliffe said. "We know Bryon is in great hands with our medical staff, and I have all the confidence in the world in Bryon’s dedication and perseverance to overcome this obstacle. The challenge for a football team to lose a player with Bryon’s ability and experience is significant, but it’s one we’ll embrace."

Fields, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound junior, started all 13 games for Duke in 2014 and had 70 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one interception. He also played in 14 games (one start) with 42 tackles in 2013.

Fields is the second defensive starter Duke has lost for the season this summer. Senior linebacker Kelby Brown also suffered a torn ACL in July, ending his career.

Coming off a 9-4 record last season, Duke’s 2015 campaign opens up at Tulane on Sept. 3.

For more Duke news, visit DevilsIllustrated.com.

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