AMES — Iowa State’s backup center, senior Ben Loth, is out for the season. After going down with a left knee injury on the season’s opening practice this Monday, Loth’s Thursday MRI revealed an MCL tear that will require surgery.
“It is a serious knee injury that is going to require surgery and unfortunately, it will be a career ending injury for Ben Loth,” Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads announced after Friday’s practice. “He’s a guy who just finally started to get a taste of it last year due to injury. He has worked so hard and is in position to graduate and finish his career in fantastic fashion and the first day, he goes down and it is all over. It is very disheartening for the young man.”
Lalk gained valuable experience during the 2013 campaign when starter Tom Farniok went down with a knee injury. Up next, junior Jamison Lalk has moved to the backup center role on the depth chart.
“Jamison is in good position to be our backup,” Rhoads said. “He will remain a backup at guard as well.”
Redshirt freshman Nick Severs is currently listed as Iowa State’s third-string center.
Rhoads did note that his program has stayed relatively healthy during the first week of camp.
