RICHMOND, Ky. ­ Eastern Kentucky University senior offensive guard Tyrone Hopson has suffered a significant bruise on his left shoulder and will be held out of contact football practice for at least a week.

Hopson, a three-year starter who was a first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection last season, was a third-team Associated Press All-American in 1997 and a definite All-America candidate for the upcoming '98 season.

"This is a shame this had to happen to Tyrone," said EKU head coach Roy Kidd. "And the crazy thing about it was that we weren't even in full pads ­ just pads and shorts. We're hoping we can keep his conditioning in line and hold him out for this entire week, and he'll be ready to go in about 10 days."

Hopson, 6-3, 309, and a native of Owensboro, anchors an experienced offensive line that returns this year intact from the 1997 season.

Full contact began Monday morning for the Colonels as two-a-day workouts are scheduled to continue throughout the week. A 15-20 play team scrimmage is slated Wednesday (Aug. 19) and a 30-35 play scrimmage is on the worksheet for Saturday (Aug. 22).

Kidd, beginning his 35^th season as head coach of the EKU Colonels, has been impressed with the team's work ethic through the first few days of fall practice.

"The team's attitude has been tremendous. Our players are working hard, and you can tell winning is important to them. I was particularly impressed with our front-line, number one guys who, on the whole, reported in great shape," said Kidd."

"We've been receiving really good leadership from our upperclassmen, especially on defense and from Brian Brenneman on offense," Kidd added.

Eastern is preparing for its 11-game, 1998 schedule which begins Sept. 5 with a 7:00 p.m. home game at Roy Kidd Stadium against Kentucky State. Season tickets for EKU's six-game home schedule are available at the EKU Athletics Ticket Office in Room 126 of Alumni Coliseum from 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Ticket orders may also be taken over the phone by calling (606) 622-2122 or 1-800-262-7493 (in Kentucky).

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