Mississippi State WR Malik Dear Suffers Torn ACL


Mississippi State wide receiver Malik Dear tore his ACL during spring practice and his 2017 season status is unclear.


Mississippi State is looking for offensive weapons to step up and take all of the pressure off of quarterback Nick Fitzgerald this upcoming season. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, one possible candidate, wide receiver Malik Dear, will be out for some time.

Head coach Dan Mullen announced on Tuesday that Dear had suffered a torn ACL during camp.

“It will be a while before we know where he’s at and whether or not he’d be available this season,” Mullen said. “I think it will be well into August before we have an idea.”

The versatile Dear was expected to be a key asset for the Bulldogs’ offense in 2017. In 2016, the 5’9 220-pound Jackson, MS native caught 22 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for a touchdown and was used on kickoff returns as well.

Fred Ross, Mississippi State’s leading receiver last season with 917 yards and 12 touchdowns, graduated, but the Bulldogs are counting on Donald Gray to take his place as the No. 1 receiver. Other possible options for Fitzgerald will be Gabe Myles, Jamal Couch, and Reggie Todd.

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