CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — When Dylan Rosiek went down with an injury against Minnesota last season, he was convinced only his cleat had broken and he would be back in the game to help his teammates.

“That was the first time I’ve ever had a season-ending injury or something I needed to get surgery on,” said Rosiek. “It was some trying times.”

Recovery began on his left foot injury immediately after the game, with surgery the following week and physical therapy through the spring. As preseason camp begins, the senior linebacker is refusing to take anything for granted.

“We actually got down there, took a seat, just looked over the field and just, you know, took it all in again,” said Rosiek. “Just to be able to get out there and run around and, you know, feel my feet underneath myself. It was awesome.”

After two days of camp, Rosiek said he feels confident on that left foot and no soreness has reemerged. National media did not hold the injury against him, receiving Preseason All-Big Ten Honors from Athlon and Phil Steele.

“Dylan Rosiek’s our guy, everybody’s so happy to have him back in the building and and working,” said linebackers coach Archie McDaniel. “He looks really, really good. And you talk about a guy that has some obstacles injury wise, but he’s looking better than I’ve ever seen him look, just body, his spirit, his work ethic, his leadership. He’s doing awesome.”

Before his injury last season, Rosiek was averaging seven tackles per game and served as a team captain.