March 30, 2000

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Rising sophomore quarterback James MacPherson suffered a torn anterior curciate ligament in his left knee in Tuesday's football practice, head coach Jim Caldwell announced today. MacPherson will undergo surgery on the knee in the next few weeks with an approximate recovery period of six to nine months.

The injury makes the Demon Deacons extremely thin at the quarterback position. MacPherson entered spring practice as the Deacs' No. 2 signal-caller behind rising sophomore C.J. Leak, and the only other QB on the spring roster is sophomore walk-on Chris Rolle. As a result of the injury, Caldwell has moved freshman Ricky Perez, a high school quarterback, from defensive back to the No. 2 QB position.

MacPherson was also in competition with rising sophomore Matt Brennie for the starting punter's job. MacPherson started at punter for the Deacs in the last two games of 1999 and averaged an impressive 40.6 yards per punt.

In addition, Caldwell has announced that rising senior running back Chris McCoy has been suspended from spring practice indefinitely due to a violation of team rules.