STATE COLLEGE, Pa., April 9, 1999 -- The return of tailback Kenny Watson to the Penn State football squad has been halted by an injury to his right foot.

Watson, a redshirt sophomore from Harrisburg, Pa., suffered a Lisfranc fracture dislocation -- a broken foot -- and underwent successful surgery Thursday by Dr. Wayne Sebastianelli, Penn State's Director of Athletic Medicine. The injury, is on top of the foot and occurred when stepped on in practice. Watson will be able to begin rehabilitation in approximately 3 1/2 months, according to Sebastianelli.

Watson was looking to make an impact this spring after taking a medical redshirt in 1998 due to a back injury. As a sophomore in 1997, the former Harrisburg HS standout missed the first four games of the season with an ankle injury, but returned 12 kickoffs for a 20.5-yard average and had five rushing attempts for 44 yards, including four carries for 38 yards at Michigan State. He also returned a punt 52 yards against Florida in the Citrus Bowl.

As a true freshman in 1996, Watson played in 11 games and returned 16 kickoffs for a 23.5-yard average to lead the Big Ten and rank 31st nationally. He turned in one of the season's biggest and most exciting plays, returning the second half kickoff of the Fiesta Bowl 81 yards to the Texas 19-yard-line, the longest kickoff return in Penn State bowl history. The play sparked the Lions, who trailed 12-7 at halftime, as Aaron Harris scored five plays later en route to a convincing 38-15 victory over the Longhorns.

Coach Joe Paterno's squad will conclude spring drills April 24 with the Blue-White Game in Beaver Stadium. A player autograph session with fans will be held from 12:00-12:45 p.m., with kickoff at 1:30 p.m. There is no admission or parking fee for the Blue-White contest.