Colorado State's Clyburn will miss 2016 season due to blood clot

Colorado State linebacker Deonte Clyburn was dealt a tough hand when it was revealed he will miss the 2016 season because of issues stemming from a blood clot.

Head coach Mike Bobo announced Sunday the medication Clyburn will be taking will last at least three more months, and the leader on defense for the Rams cannot be cleared for contact, according to Kelly Lyell of The Coloradoan.

"It's a tough deal for him, because he's one of our true leaders on our football team, and guys really, really care about him," Bobo said.

Clyburn will redshirt this coming season to allow him to return as a senior for the 2017 season. The 6-foot, 235-pound linebacker was a force on defense last season, finishing with 74 tackles, 40 solo stops and seven tackles for lost yardage while playing in all 13 games last season.

"Ultimately, we want him to get healthy; that's the first thing," Bobo said. "And then if he does get healthy, he could have a chance to play next year."

"He's got a great attitude," Bobo added. "He knows he's still got a role on this team, and he's embracing it."