By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

PISCATAWAY — As Julian Pinnix-Odrick sat in a doctor's office in the spring after tearing his ACL, he knew whom he would text first when he found out the official result.

Jared Odrick, Julian's half-brother, was in Miami, getting ready for his fourth season with the Dolphins when he received the news. His response to an ACL tear? 

"I didn't even tell my parents when I got hurt before the MRI," Pinnix-Odrick said Wednesday in the team's media center. "I was beginning to cry and texted him it was an ACL. He was like, 'Alright, cool. That's great. Don't worry about it. I know a guy that tore everything in his knee.'"

MORE: O-line takes on more responsibility in high-sack season

Pinnix-Odrick, a redshirt freshman, earned high praise a year ago before his abrupt injury. He is five months into rehab now and will likely be a contributor next season in the Big Ten on a defensive line that loses three starters.

"That just means a lot of guys have to step up," said Pinnix-Odrick, who says he's up to around 255 pounds now. "I have confidence in all of my fellow d-line and defense. We're real young this year, but I think everybody's up for the challenge. Nobody's really taking that as an excuse."

MORE: Ian Thomas' puzzling departure

Pinnix-Odrick said Jared, 25,  checks up on him occasionally, and Pinnix-Odrick tracks his NFL games when he has the chance. Jared dealt with major injuries at Penn State and in Miami. 

Jared has 16 tackles, one sack and one pass defensed this year.

"I'm just trying to show them who the better brother is," Pinnix-Odrick said.