Exclusive: Udofia out with broken fibula

Arizona's No. 1 ranked recruit Ekom Udofia broke his left fibula and is out for the season. Udofia is Rivals No. 4 ranked defensive lineman in the nation, and is being recruiting by top DI schools including Arizona, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Miami, Stanford, and USC.

We spoke with Ekom this morning and he told us that his leg is very sore. "It's my left fibula, and the doctors are waiting for the swelling to go down so they can re-examine it on Monday." said Udofia.

When we asked if it was considered a serious break he told us he would know more this week, but expects to be back to full strength after rehab. "I should be able to begin full strength conditioning rehab in a few months (according to the early prognosis from his doctors). It shouldn't be a difficult process, but it's real painful right now."

At 6-foot-1, 295-pounds, Udofia was the anchor on defense for the Chaparral Firebirds. After an 0-2 start to the season, losing close games to No. 1 Sunnyside and No. 2 Centennial - the Firebirds had reeled of 5 straight wins and were moving back up to the top of the 4A rankings. Last night's rivalry match against Scottsdale Saguaro came down to a field goal by Saguaro to win the game with less than ten seconds remaining, Saguaro won 24-22. The loss of the rivalry game doesn't come close to the pain the entire team is going through with the loss of their senior leader.

Udofia sounded determined this morning to get back at it when he is cleared by his doctors. With his work ethic, athleticism, and team leadership - this will be a major setback for his high school team. But, it shouldn't prevent him from contributing on a major scale at the next level.

"This all happened so fast, that I didn't even have time to get my stuff out of my locker!"