Dante Fowler Jr.
Jacksonville Jaguars first draft pick Dante Fowler Jr. sits with other team rookies in a tent overlooking the 17 green during the final round of The Players Championship golf tournament Sunday, May 10, 2015, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Fowler was hurt during rookie camp this week. (Bob Self/The Florida Times-Union via AP)
(Bob Self)
Dante Fowler Jr. will miss his first NFL season with the Jacksonville Jaguars after tearing his ACL on the first day of rookie mini-camp. His former head coach, Will Muschamp, showed plenty of empathy when asked about the injury last week.
"We've talked," the Auburn defensive coordinator said prior to a speaking engagement in Cullman. "Typical Dante, he's upbeat as you can imagine. He will attack this just like attacks everything else in life -- at full speed."
The Jaguars selected Fowler with the third overall pick in the NFL Draft last month after his successful run with the Gators. The first-team All-SEC selection led Florida with 15 tackles for loss, 17 hurries and 8.5 sacks in 2014.
"He will be successful regardless, but I'm just hurt for him, Dante Sr. and Lanora, his mom," Muschamp said. "Great people, great family, great young man. Kind of like one of your own getting hurt. It hurts.
"I couldn't believe it when I saw it. I talked to him that night and he was as upbeat as he always is. He's got an unbelievable attitude about life."