NDSU's DeLuca out with separated shoulder

(STATS) - North Dakota State coach Chris Klieman said All-America middle linebacker Nick DeLuca will not practice this week after he suffered a separated left shoulder in the top-ranked Bison's season-opening game.

The Bison, who have won the last five FCS national titles, are in a bye week before returning to action Sept. 10 when they host Eastern Washington.

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Speaking at his weekly Monday news conference, Klieman said DeLuca's status will be re-evaluated next week.

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound DeLuca, a senior captain nominated for STATS FCS Defensive Player of the Year, was injured early in the third quarter of North Dakota State's 24-17 overtime win over Charleston Southern in the FCS Kickoff Saturday night. He was replaced by junior linebacker Matt Plank, who finished the game with six tackles.

DeLuca, the only FCS player up for the Butkus Award, which honors the nation's best linebackers, started all 15 games last season and led the team with 135 tackles.

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