Injured Ball State WR Love could be released from rehab center

Oct 7, 2008 - 8:37 PM MUNCIE, Indiana (Ticker) -- Dante Love, the Ball State wide receiver who is recovering from a career-ending spinal injury, is showing signs of improvement and could be released from a rehabilitation center as early as Friday.

Ball State coach Brady Hoke updated Love's status during his news conference Monday night.

"I want everyone to know that Dante is improving daily," Hoke said. "I spoke with him this morning and I am going to see him tomorrow. There's a chance he will be released from the rehabilitation center on Friday. He is really making great strides."

Love underwent a five-hour surgical procedure on September 20 to stabilize a cervical spine fracture and a spinal cord injury. He sustained the injuries when he took a helmet-to-helmet hit in Ball State's 42-20 victory over Indiana earlier that night.

Prior to the injury, the 5-10 Love had averaged 144.3 receiving yards per game, the best mark in the nation.

Despite the abrupt end to his once-promising career, Love has been "positive and upbeat" during his rehabilitation, according to Hoke.

"He is doing a great job with his recovery," Hoke said. "He is positive and upbeat."