Aug 26, 2014 10:54 AM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Ankle injuries are usually not cause for headline-grabbing news, let alone an official statement from a school, but Josh Shaw's was, and for good reason.

The University of Southern California (USC) announced in an official release that Shaw, a senior and newly minted captain on the football team, hurt his ankle at a family gathering Saturday. Shaw's nephew had apparently fallen into the deep end of a pool and, knowing the youngster could not swim, the cornerback leapt from a second-floor balcony to crawl into the pool to pull the kid out.

Shaw then made his way out of the pool at his cousin's apartment and a hospital visit revealed two high ankle sprains. He will be off the football field indefinitely, but that does not mean he will not play at all this season.

"That was a heroic act by Josh, putting his personal safety aside. But that's the kind of person he is," USC head football coach Steve Sarkisian said in the release. "It is unfortunate that he'll be sidelined for a while and we will miss his leadership and play, but I know he'll be working hard to get back on the field as soon as possible."

According to ESPN, Shaw had been voted a captain on the team earlier that day. He was also expected to play a major role on the defense after he played all 14 games last year and totaled six interceptions in two seasons at USC. He had transferred from Florida, but it did not take long for him to cement himself in the Trojan secondary.

James Shaw, Josh's father, told the Los Angeles Times he "wouldn't be surprised" if his son at least gives playing Saturday in the season opener against Fresno State "a shot."

"That's Josh for you," he said. "That's about all you need to know about him."

Josh Shaw knew no one was near enough to help his nephew and his instincts led him to make the dangerous two-story jump, but he said he does not regret doing it even in the slightest.

"I would do it again for whatever kid it was, it did not have to be my nephew," Shaw said in the release. "My ankles really hurt, but I am lucky to be surrounded by the best trainers and doctors in the world. I am taking my rehab one day at a time, and I hope to be back on the field as soon as possible."

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