Indiana's Marcelino Ball lost for season with torn ACL

Per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Indiana Hoosiers head coach Tom Allen told reporters on Monday that fifth-year senior and defensive back Marcelino Ball tore an anterior cruciate ligament last week and won't play this season. 

Ball missed nine games in 2017 due to a left knee injury. 

During the 2019 season, Ball tallied 47 total tackles and two sacks. He grabbed three interceptions in his collegiate career. 

After postponing football and other fall sports because of the coronavirus pandemic on Aug. 11, the Big Ten structured an eight-game conference only season that begins Oct. 24. Indiana opens its campaign against the Penn State Nittany Lions that Saturday. 

Charlie Campbell of Walter Football, who forecasts Ball as a late-round draft pick, wrote: 

"Ball was a tough strong safety for Indiana over the past few seasons. He is strong and a quality run defender, but he needs to make more plays in pass coverage and show more cover ability in 2020 to rise for the 2021 NFL Draft."

Ball's older brothers Marcus and Reggie Jr. both played in the NFL.