USC LB Jabari Ruffin tears knee ligament, is lost for season

Published Aug. 11, 2014 10:10 a.m. ET

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USC sophomore linebacker Jabari Ruffin will miss the 2014 season after tearing a knee ligament during practice on Sunday, the team announced.

The 6-3, 240-pound Ruffin, who made 22 tackles as a reserve last season and was vying to become a starter in 2014, was hurt as he was tackled on an interception return.

"This is very unfortunate news about Jabari, but I know he will rehab well and come back strong next year," Trojans coach Steve Sarkisian said in a statement. "And, I know our team will step up in his absence."

Ruffin's injury leaves senior J.R. Tavai and sophomores Quinton Powell and Scott Felix battling for playing time.

Felix changed his name from Scott Starr earlier this year.