I talked to a close family member today and he said Lander is ready to play. He could have played in the bowl game. But, the family and coaches did not want to take the risk.
He also said (no surprise) that Lander will be leaving for the NFL next year at this time.
I hope Barton has an All-American season in 2024 and ends up a first-round draft pick.
Barton has every shot to be drafted as high as Devin Lloyd. Different players, but same combination of NFL physical tools, hard working dedication to improving, and history of production at a very high level. Just hope he can prove the health thing was an aberration.
I understand that his injury was to his foot. It was not a major knee or shoulder injury. Everyone gets injured in football. He does not have a history of any major injuries as far as I know.