PISCATAWAY, NJ – Nearly 11 months after suffering a compound fracture of his left leg, All-BIG EAST back Todd Moser (Fanwood, NJ) has declared a medical red-shirt and will complete his collegiate eligibility during the 2003 season.

Moser has endured a grueling rehabilitation process that began last spring and has been training sporadically since the team opened training camp in mid-August. Although he has seen dramatic improvements in his status and increased leg strength, he is still not 100% healthy, which influenced his decision.

“We consulted with (team athletic trainer) Dan Watson and we agreed that it would be best to wait,” said Moser, who suffered the fracture on November 10 in a BIG EAST Quarterfinal match vs. Seton Hall. “To come back and play, while still not 100%, would not benefit the team as much as if I came back next year ready to go. Trying to come back in my current condition would be frustrating.”

The loss of Moser for the season was a distinct possibility, although he had planned on dressing for the team’s match with UCLA on Friday night.

“I could have suited up and played, but I wouldn’t have been at full strength,” said Moser. “This gives me something to look forward to, because I will be fully healthy when spring camp begins. I will use the spring as my preseason, continue to train through the summer, and be ready to go next August.”

A three-year starter in the back, Moser earned All-BIG EAST (third team) and All-Region (second team) honors in 2001 after registering a career-high 10 points. Moser’s successful 2001 campaign came to a sudden halt with just minutes remaining in RU’s 2-1 win over Seton Hall in the opening round of the 2001 BE Tournament. A collision at midfield with SHU’s Jerrod Laventure resulted in the compound fracture, less than 20 minutes after Moser set up the game-winning goal by Chris Karcz (Clifton, NJ).