BOWLING GREEN — An MRI confirmed the diagnosis that Bowling Green feared with Hassan Belton, whom doctors diagnosed with a torn ACL.

Belton, a first-team player at one of the outside linebacker positions, has to undergo surgery and will miss the remainder of the 2018 season.

The redshirt junior sustained the injury in the Falcons’ most recent game, a 45-14 loss at home to Maryland. Belton was in line to see regular playing time in the linebacker rotation. In Bowling Green’s two games, Belton recorded 7 tackles, including one for loss.

Bowling Green's 2018 football schedule

He joined the program in February after one season at Butler (S.C). Community College. He originally committed to Western Carolina out of high school.

Belton becomes the fourth Falcon lost for the year and third on defense. Starting defensive end David Konowalski suffered an Achilles injury during training camp and defensive back Sy Dabney also tore an ACL.

Because he played in only two games, Belton will be eligible to apply for a medical redshirt under NCAA rules. If granted, Belton would have two years of eligibility remaining.

Another test for the testimony... I promise I’ll be back next year better than ever 💯

— Hassan Belton (@allamerican_5) September 13, 2018

Contact Nicholas Piotrowicz at npiotrowicz@theblade.com, 419-724-6110 or on Twitter @NickPiotrowicz

First Published September 13, 2018, 2:02 p.m.