Former Bridgewater Quarterback Facing Injury Test

Former Bridgewater-Raritan High School quarterback Collin Clifford was making an impact as a freshman at Salisbury University, a Division III school in Maryland.

Clifford, who led the Panthers to the state playoffs last year, was on the fast track to getting immediate playing time for the Sea Gulls.

But in the blink of an eye, he's dealing with adversity.

During a preseason scrimmage three weeks ago, Clifford sustained a broken left ankle after getting tackled with the ball. For Clifford, the injury was a major setback after having had just one impact injury—a dislocated elbow—while playing with Bridgewater.

"It's really frustrating, and kind of put a damper on my entire year," Clifford said. "I was looking forward to trying to get some varsity time, but I guess that's going to have to wait."

Clifford had surgery on the ankle recently, and won't be able to put any weight on it for at least six weeks.

"I have a plate and four screws in my leg," he said. "I think they are going to stay in forever."

Over these weeks, Clifford said, he has received tremendous help from his coaches and teammates in dealing with the injury, while still being a winning team, as Salisbury is 2-0 in the young season.

"Everyone's been very understanding, and people have helped me on campus," he said. "I get calls from my coaches every couple days asking how I'm doing."

The timetable for a full recovery won't be set until Clifford goes for his follow-up appointment in the coming days.

"It's something I have to fight through," he said. "I should be back for spring football, and I hope that shows the team I'm putting 100 percent into it, and I won't take no for an answer."

Prior to the injury, Clifford was gaining confidence adjusting to the speed of the college game.

"Initially, I was struggling a little bit learning the new offense, since we run the option here," he said, adding that Bridgewater runs the spread, three wide-one back offense. "But I am getting comfortable, and definitely gaining some ground."

At Bridgewater, Clifford was part of the 2010 senior class that led the Panthers out of the wilderness. He credits coach Scott Bray for implementing a new mindset predicated on leadership and toughness.  

"Coach Bray says 'you have to leave a legacy behind,'" Clifford said. "I think we did a very good job with that, and we put forth a lot of effort and hard work in Bridgewater football. I think that's going to continue."

While his high school alma mater works on continuing what he and the others established, Clifford, without football for the foreseeable future, is focusing on his academics, majoring in exercise science.

"Right now, I'm trying to focus on my schoolwork, but I think football will take care of itself," he said.