Ryle running back Travis Elliott's season ends with injury

Written by

Richard Skinner
Enquirer contributor

http://nky.cincinnati.com/article/AB/20110904/SPT030201/309040055
Ryle senior running back Travis Elliott had a chance this season to catch former Boone County star Shaun Alexander for most career rushing yards in Northern Kentucky history, but that chase has officially ended after Elliott suffered a season-ending knee injury on Friday night.
Elliott suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while attempting to make a tackle on defense in Friday’s 37-0 loss at Colerain.
The injury late in the first quarter as Elliott, who plays linebacker on defense, was attempting to chase to down Colerain fullback Jason Sorn on what would eventually by a 62-yard running play. It also occurred without any contact.
“Travis’ speed is unbelievable and he chased the guy down, but the guy stopped and he flew by and his left cleat caught in the ground,” said Ryle head coach Bryson Warner. “We watched it on film again yesterday and you could see it real quick. The strange part is I’ve watched him make so many cuts where I’ve said, ‘How in the world does he cut like that?’ and where you wonder how he didn’t get hurt, and then he gets hurt like this.”

Warner said Elliott, who is 5 feet 11, 215 pounds, is scheduled to have surgery on Wednesday. The surgery is going to be performed by Dr. Angelo Colosimo.
“He’s taken a great attitude about it,” Warner said of Elliott. “It’s a tough blow, but it’s not the end of the world. We haven’t seen the last of Travis Elliott.”

Elliott committed in May to play at Western Kentucky University and Warner said Western Kentucky coach Willie Taggart already has called Elliott to assure him the scholarship offer still stands.

“He actually has a chance to come back even stronger and better and that’s basically what Willie told him,” said Warner.

The injury is certainly not only a blow to Elliott, but to Ryle’s chances for winning the Class 6A district and advancing deep into the playoffs.

Warner said it will take “three or four,” players to replace Elliott’s productivity and cited senior Jake Nutter, who led the Raiders on Friday with 51 yards on seven carries, junior Tanner Pulice, junior Nick Kennedy and sophomore Ryan Hill as those who will be asked to do more.

“That’s the challenge we gave as a program and a staff - to create different schemes to overcome the loss of Travis,” said Warner. “One of the things we talk about as a program is we can’t look back, we have to look forward. Our game plan revolved a lot around Travis, so now we have to find something different. Our defense and special teams are going to be huge. We’re going to miss Travis, I’d be stupid to say we won’t, but I still feel confident we’re going to win the district.”

Elliott finished his career with 4,745 yards, which is 1,916 yards short of Alexander.