RANDY McKINNON: Talks about his future

[PonyPride]

For the second year in a row, SMU linebacker Randy McKinnon suffered a serious knee injury in the second game of the season. In 2010, a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ended his season.

This time, McKinnon told PonyFans.com, his SMU career is probably over.

McKinnon said that the initial diagnosis of a sprained ACL and torn meniscus in his left knee — the same knee he injured a year ago — was confirmed Wednesday. He said season-ending surgery has not yet been scheduled, but will be.

McKinnon said that while the chance is slim, he has not yet officially ruled out an attempt to return to the field.

"I could appeal for a sixth year," said McKinnon, who transferred to SMU after graduating in three years from Syracuse and is playing this season after the NCAA granted him an extra year of eligibility following his 2010 knee injury, "but I'd have to enroll in a Ph.D. program. But I'm more than likely planning on taking the Sterling Moore route, doing (SMU's) Pro Day and hoping to get an invite to a camp or (the) Canadian (Football League)."

McKinnon arrived at SMU before the 2010 with a Syracuse degree in communications and sociology and is working on his Master's of Liberal Arts. He played safety last year before moving to SAM linebacker for the 2011 season.

[Mustangsabu]

Gutted for him.

[mrydel]

Man, what a bad break. Love the kid's moxie but I guess it was just not meant to be as far as playing time. He has definitely set a great example to the rest of the team as far as dedication and perseverance. I wish him nothing but the best as he moves forward.

[RyanSMU98]

Wow, that's rough, but he strikes me as the kind of kid that will excel at whatever comes his way next. Here's to a speedy recovery after surgery and nothing but best wishes for him in whatever he chooses to do in the future.

[Junior]

man, that's tough. wishing him the best in the future. even if he never suits up for us again, he set a great example with his hard work and effort.

[Roach]

My heart breaks for him.

Here's a guy who picked up the defense fast enough to contribute last year before getting hurt, and then worked his way back from a serious knee injury while learning a new position well enough to get on the field again this year.

But we're also talking about a guy who got a double degree in three years at Syracuse, sought out a place where he could keep playing so he could get a master's degree and made it happen.

I have absolutely no worries about Randy's future — this is a young man who will do very well, no matter what he chooses to do with his life.

Thanks for the work you have put in for the Ponies, Randy. Here's wishing you all the best, starting with a speedy and full recovery on your knee.

[ponyscott]

My heart breaks for him.

Here's a guy who picked up the defense fast enough to contribute last year before getting hurt, and then worked his way back from a serious knee injury while learning a new position well enough to get on the field again this year.

But we're also talking about a guy who got a double degree in three years at Syracuse, sought out a place where he could keep playing so he could get a master's degree and made it happen.

I have absolutely no worries about Randy's future — this is a young man who will do very well, no matter what he chooses to do with his life.

Thanks for the work you have put in for the Ponies, Randy. Here's wishing you all the best, starting with a speedy and full recovery on your knee.

You nailed it and agree with all you said...just a great kid who will be a success at every level. I just wish we could have seen him excel here at SMU...just damn bad luck, but it all happens for a reason....Good Luck to you Randy! Thanks for coming to SMU!

[Big Hoss]

Damn shame. Proud to call him a Mustang.