University Southern California Trojans
QB Jason Thomas to Have Ankle Surgery
June 21, 1999 | Football
Sept. 9, 1998
LOS ANGELES -- Freshman Jason Thomas, USC's No. 3 quarterback, will have arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle to remove scar tissue and will redshirt the 1998 season, Trojan head coach Paul Hackett announced today.
The scar tissue is the residue of a dislocated ankle Thomas suffered early in his 1997 prep All-American senior season at Dominguez High in Compton (Calif.), causing him to miss most of that year. The injury limited his practice time throughout USC's 1998 pre-season drills, leading Hackett to sit him out of practice the past 10 days in hopes that the rest would help him recuperate and prevent the need for surgery.
"My wishful thinking didn't work out," said Hackett. "He'll go in for surgery in the next few days. He'll be able to redshirt this season and be back in time for 1999 spring practice. He'll have plenty of opportunities to heal properly and get ready for next year."
"This is the best thing for me in the long run," said Thomas. "It's not a sprint, it's long term. I've got to take care of my body."
Hackett, whose Trojans are coming off a bye and now host San Diego State this Saturday (Sept. 12) after their season-opening win over Purdue 2 weeks ago, said he'll decide on a No. 3 quarterback in the coming days. The only other quarterback currently on the roster besides starter Mike Van Raaphorst and No. 2 Carson Palmer is untested walk-on redshirt freshman Matt Dalton. Last year's starting quarterback, John Fox, asked to be moved to tight end in the pre-season and Quincy Woods, a reserve last fall, was switched to wide receiver in fall camp.
