Cochran will have wrist surgery on Friday

Storrs - A wrist injury has sidelined UConn freshman quarterback Casey Cochran.

UConn spokesman Mike Enright confirmed Wednesday what The Day reported earlier in the day.

Enright said Cochran sustained the injury to his left (non-throwing) wrist in a bicycle accident.

Surgery is scheduled Friday.

Cochran is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks and perhaps longer. Cochran's period of recovery won't be known until the surgery is complete.

Cochran, who grew up in New London, helped the Whalers win the 2008 state championship as a freshman quarterback.

Cochran later transferred to Masuk of Monroe and led the Panthers to a Class L state title. He was also named the 2011 Gatorade Player of the Year.

Cochran graduated from Masuk early and enrolled at UConn for the spring semester, participating in the spring football game.

Cochran completed 4 of 15 passes for 46 yards and one interception, and was also sacked three times.

"I was very excited," Cochran, a popular choice with the autograph seekers, said after the spring game. "I haven't played since December in a real game situation. There's a lot of things I've got to improve on over the summer, but I made some good throws and some good decisions, so it was a good day."

Cochran is competing for the starting spot with Scott McCummings, Johnny McEntee, Chandler Whitmer and Michael Nebrich.

The Huskies open practice early next month and begin the season Aug. 30 at Rentschler Field against the University of Massachusetts.

m.dimauro@theday.com