Kelby Brown to Require Knee Surgery

Duke's season finale against rival North Carolina just got a little more daunting.

Freshman linebacker Kelby Brown, it was announced today, will miss the Blue Devils' final game of the season Saturday after injuring his knee against Georgia Tech and will require surgery.

Brown has been a pleasant surprise for Duke this season, leading the nation in fumble recoveries per game. The freshman also is second among ACC rookies with 7.3 tackles per game.

“It is unfortunate that Kelby’s fine freshman season ends prematurely,” head coach David Cutcliffe said.  “It is really tough for a freshman to arrive on campus in June and start seven games at middle linebacker, and he did just that.  We know he is in great hands with our medical staff – it is the best in the country – and we’re confident Kelby will overcome this obstacle and be back as soon as possible.”

Cutcliffe, who said the injury will not impact Brown next season, expects Austin Gamble and Damian Thornton to fill the void left by Brown.