College Football

Princeton's Lovett sidelined after surgery

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 5:58 p.m. ET

(STATS) - Princeton senior John Lovett, the Ivy League's 2016 offensive player of the year, will miss at least part of the season following offseason surgery, coach Bob Surace said Monday.

Lovett fills a "slash" role - quarterback, running back and wide receiver - with the Tigers. He set the school's single-season record with 20 rushing touchdowns, threw for 10 more and caught one last season as Princeton shared the Ivy title with Penn.

"John Lovett had surgery during the offseason, which stemmed from an injury he played with during the 2016 season and, unfortunately, did not completely heal during the offseason," Surace said in a statement. "The surgery was a success, and he will miss time this fall. He will continue to be a tremendous leader for our team, and we look forward to his healthy return to the field."

Lovett was named to the STATS Walter Payton Award Watch List and Preseason All-America first team as an all-purpose selection last week.

Princeton's season kicks off Sept. 16 at home against Pioneer Football League champ San Diego.

The Ivy League preseason poll will be announced Tuesday.