Pigrome, Aniebonam to both likely miss remainder of season
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Starting sophomore quarterback Tyrrell Pigrome and starting senior defensive end Jesse Aniebonam are both likely to miss the remainder of the season following injuries suffered during the Texas game, Maryland head coach DJ Durkin said Tuesday during his weekly press conference.
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According to Durkin, Pigrome suffered a season-ending knee injury while Aniebonam injured his ankle and will miss several months, quite possibly ending his season, as well.
"Piggy tore his ACL and he'll be having surgery later this week," said Durkin. "That'll put him on the shelf for the rest of the season. Very tough for him and for our program."
Pigrome got off to a poor start against Texas, throwing a pick-six on his first attempt of the game. However, he was brilliant after that, accounting for two touchdowns through the air and another with his feet.
The injury to Pigrome took place in the third quarter on a run play up the middle, with him falling awkwardly and immediately grabbing his right knee.
"I was proud of [Pigrome], how he played and competed," said Durkin. "I know there were a lot of questions about him going into the season, what he can or can't do. A lot of judgements made about a guy as a true freshman thrown into the mix, into the fire, probably not quite ready for that, but it had to be done. I was really proud of him how he went out there and responded and played and I think he really showed everyone what he's capable of doing. He was really good in the vertical passing game down the field and obviously running the ball he was very effective doing that, too. I think he showed what his abilities are and how he can lead this offense and move this offense and he did a great job while he was in there. He'll be missed by all of us, but he's a tough guy, a tough competitor and he'll bounce back and be a great player for us in the future."
Pigrome was replaced by true freshman Kasim Hill who was a perfect 3-for-3 throwing the ball and ran for a score. Hill will start at quarterback for the Terps on Saturday versus Towson.
Aniebonam was also injured in the third quarter on a play in which he was rushing Texas quarterback Shane Beuchele. He went down and had his right leg looked at by trainers before being helped off the field.
"Jesse fractured his ankle, he's actually having surgery later today," said Durkin. "His return is--he's out for several months and we'll play it by ear and see what the plan is for him moving forward. That hasn't been determined by us or him or anyone, we'll sort of play it by ear, but he's out a significant amount of time."
It was an especially tough blow for Aniebonam, a senior who led the team with nine sacks a season ago. He worked extremely hard during the offseason and had NFL aspirations. His future plans, possibly a medical redshirt season next year at Maryland or entry into the NFL Draft, have yet to be determined.
"That's a hard one, to see the disappointment on his face, those are hard moments as a coach," Durkin said. "You feel for those guys. Unfortunately injuries are a part of our game and they happen. He has great football in his future, whether that's continuing here or at the next level or wherever that is, he definitely has that and that's a good thing for him."