Injury puts Hamilton out for the season

By Steve Sherman
Sports Editor
His team's Defensive Player of the Week after wins over Rice, Ole Miss and Florida, Ryan Hamilton was elected team co-captain this year at Vanderbilt.
But after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in the first quarter of a game two loss to LSU, Hamilton's collegiate playing days may be over. Sources say Ryan underwent surgery to repair the tissue Sept. 14 and is done for the season.
Last year for the Commodores, Hamilton set season highs in total tackles (104), tackles for loss (4.5), interceptions (4) and fumble recoveries (3).
A Council ROck North alum from Wycombe, Hamilton was second on the team in total tackles and third in solo tackles with 51. He also ranked among the SEC Top 10 in total tackles, posting a career-high effort of 16 stops against Tennessee.
Hamilton put together one of the finest defensive games ever in a Vanderbilt victory at Ole Miss, contributing three interceptions, a fumble recovery and six tackles. His three picks against the Rebels matched a Commodore single-game record.
His first interception, returned 79 yards for a touchdown, came with the Commodores trailing 10-0 and Ole Miss driving deep in Vanderbilt territory. His final pick sealed the road win, adding a huge fourth-down tackle that ended a Rebel threat at the Vanderbilt 1-yard line.
For his efforts, Hamilton earned Walter Camp Football Foundation National Defensive Player of the Week and SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Ryan followed the Ole Miss game with 10-tackle performance in an upset win over Auburn. Two of those tackles were for loss, including a quarterback sack.
Hamilton also aided Vanderbilt's victory over South Carolina with eight tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He also posted 13 tackles and fumble recovery against Florida.
Come postseason, Hamilton was outstanding in Commodores victory over Boston College in Music City Bowl, contributing six total tackles and an interception.
Vanderbilt pushed its record to 2-2 after posting a 36-17 win over Rice Sept. 26 in Houston. Next, the Commodores host Ole Miss at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3.