Redshirt freshman linebacker Justin Hilliard came into the Ohio State program looking to make an immediate impact. It turns out he will have to wait even longer for that opportunity.
The former 2015 five-star recruit from Cincinnati St. Xavier High School announced on Instagram that he had suffered a season ending injury which requires rehabilitation.
“(I) can’t lie, I’m hurt,” Hilliard said in his post. “But head up and looking forward to killing this rehab for the next six months.”
Hilliard was instrumental on special teams through the team’s first three games in 2016. He was listed on the depth chart as the weak-side linebacker after junior Dante Booker and redshirt senior Joe Burger. Hilliard registered four tackles against Bowling Green.
Hilliard suffered injuries last season that kept him from seeing the field. He tore his left meniscus during the 2015 season, then missed all of spring camp with a torn bicep. Hilliard has a sling on his left arm in the photo.
Coach Urban Meyer confirmed on Monday that Hilliard tore his left bicep and will be out several months.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 9/26 with comment from Meyer.
