Head coach Bret Bielema announced Thursday that UW sophomore running back P.J. Hill and junior tight end Andy Crooks will miss the team's spring practices after undergoing shoulder surgeries this week.
Hill, the reigning Big Ten freshman of the year, had surgery Wednesday, while Crooks' will undergo surgery Friday.
""Both [Hill] and [Crooks] are having surgery to correct injuries they sustained during the [past] season,"" Bielema said in a statement. ""They will miss spring ball, but will participate on a limited basis in summer conditioning and are expected to be 100 percent by the time fall camp opens.""
Sophomore running back Lance Smith will carry the load in the spring season while Hill recovers. Joining the backfield in the summer will be incoming recruit John Clay who gave Wisconsin a verbal commitment last month. The incoming freshman class will be announced Wednesday.
Crooks, who converted from linebacker before the 2006 season, caught 19 passes for 206 yards and four TDs last season.
Spring practices begin March 13 and conclude with the annual spring game on April 21.
—Adam Hoge
