Wilson: Schofield confirms he tore ACL

MOBILE, Ala. --  University of Wisconsin defensive end O'Brien Schofield told the National  Football Post that he has torn his left anterior cruciate ligament, a major injury that could sideline him for several months.

In a telephone interview tonight, Schofield confirmed that a magnetic resonance imaging exam revealed significant damage to his left knee. The injury was suffered during practice today at the Senior Bowl all-star game during a one-on-one drill.

"I was in tears when I got the news," Schofield said. "I'm staying up, I'm good. I'm trusting in God. I'm a firm believer and am just praying that I can make a speedy recovery and get back on the field as soon as I can. I've been getting a lot of texts from my family and friends. Everyone has been calling me and giving me a lot of support."

Schofield said that he'll have surgery to repair the damage when the swelling goes down, adding that Dr. James Andrews will conduct the procedure.

During the opening practice today for the North squad, Schofield was writhing in pain on the ground at Ladd-Peeples Stadium and screamed after getting tangled up with University of Massachusetts offensive tackle Vladimir Ducasse.

Schofield had been beating Ducasse up the field on a regular basis during one-on-one drills before getting hurt.

Schofield wasn't able to put any weight on his left leg.

"The second time I rushed against him I got my cleat caught in the ground," Schofield said. "Then, his leg hit my leg and I felt it go. I knew right away it was a serious injury."

The 6-foot-2, 238-pounder's draft stock is expected to be affected by this setback.

Named the defensive Most Valuable Player during an eye-catching East -West Shrine Game performance, Schofield has been praised for his potential as a hybrid defensive end-outside linebacker.

Now that he's recieved the bad news, Schofield is determined to make a comeback.

"I'm going to come back stronger than ever," Schofield said. "I'm not going to let this stop me. I still want to play in the NFL one day. I'm not changing my goal."

Follow me on Twitter: RavensInsider