North Dakota State will be without its star middle linebacker, Nick DeLuca, for the rest of the season.

During his weekly press conference on Monday, September 19th, NDSU head coach Chris Klieman announced that DeLuca would undergo shoulder surgery, effectively ending the senior's season.

According to InForum, DeLuca will apply for a medical hardship, which could mean he returns to the team next season.

DeLuca came into his senior season with a lot of hype. He was named to the All-Missouri Valley Football Conference preseason team and he was the only FCS linebacker named to the Butkus Award watch list, which is given to the nation's best linebacker.

DeLuca originally injured his shoulder in the team's overtime win over Charleston Southern earlier this year. In three games with the Bison this season, DeLuca racked up 26 total tackles, according to GoBison.com.

[InForum I GoBison.com]