You never want to go into a possible postseason run without your second leading tackler, but unfortunately for BR-1 Illinois State that’s exactly what is happening.
Alec Kocour is second on the Illinois State roster in tackles with 78, behind only Pat Meehan’s 79. Kocour, a sophomore who likely was heading towards postseason accolades, broke his clavicle on Saturday in a win over Missouri Valley Conference foe Southern Illinois. It was confirmed on Monday.
Illinois State coach Brock Spack told the media the news.
“He’s out for awhile. You can’t tell how long,” Spack told the media. “The earliest would be January.”
If the Redbirds were to make it as far in the playoffs as they did last year (they fell in the national championship game) there is a chance Kocour could get back on the gridiron, but other than that scenario he won’t play again before his junior season. Kocour leads the program in interceptions with 3 and has broken up 3 other passes, while also forcing a fumble. He had a season high 14 tackles against Eastern Illinois, as well as 2 INTs against South Dakota State. He also had 7 tackles against undefeated Big Ten opponent Iowa.
“I’ll come back better than ever,” Kocour told HERO Sports. “Whenever that will be.”
Three players, Soniel Estime, DraShane Glass and Luther Kirk, will get Kocour’s reps.
Illinois State closes out its regular season against South Dakota this weekend, then will await its playoff situation when the bracket is announced Sunday.
