Gators lose two defensive backs due to knee injuries

[2.2L EH2]

Florida's secondary took another major hit Saturday when it was announced junior safety Dorian Munroe, a projected starter, and senior safety John Curtis will miss the 2008 season with knee injuries.

Meyer said Munroe and Curtis had good off seasons.

Munroe suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee that will require surgery and sideline him for the year. Curtis, a backup, sustained a torn ACL in his left knee.

He will miss at least the 2008 season, according to a press release. This is the third tear Curtis has suffered in his left knee. He has had two prior surgeries on that knee. The press release did not elaborate on how either player suffered their injuries.

"Dorian and John were having tremendous off seasons," coach Urban Meyer said in a statement. "I'm confident Dorian will battle through the rehabilitation process and come back a better football player.

"John has suffered through multiple knee injuries and the medical staff along with John and his family will need to evaluate his long-term future in football."

Munroe, a 5-11, 202-pound safety from Miami Coral Reef, finished with 28 tackles and five pass deflections last season. Entering fall camp, he was pegged to start at one safety spot along with sophomore Major Wright. Munroe played in all 13 games last season and had two starts. He led the team with 13 tackles on special teams.

Curtis has been mainly a special teams contributor but was expected to compete for some playing time at safety this season. He had seven tackles on special teams in 2007 and blocked a punt in Florida's 51-31 win at South Carolina.

Florida's depth at safety has taken a severe hit since the end of last season.

Jerimy Finch, the top-rated safety in the 2007 class by Rivals.com, has transferred; Jamar Hornsby was kicked off the team after he allegedly used the credit card of Ashley Slonina, the Florida student who died in a motorcycle accident in October along with former UF football player Michael Guilford; and four-star recruit Dee Finley, the sixth-best safety in the 2008 class by Rivals.com, could not make it academically and will go to prep school at Milford Academy in New York this season.

The pressure now builds on Wright, who finished fourth on the team in tackles as a freshman with 68, to become the leader at safety. Wright also had four forced fumbles and an interception.

Sophomore Ahmad Black, a converted cornerback, will be expected to see some more action at safety. He was one of the surprise performers in spring practice. Bryan Thomas might also be an option. Five-star freshman Will Hill, the top-rated athlete by Rivals.com, should also see more action since depth has become such an issue.

Source: http://florida.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=826216

[Crono139]

Hill is going to see a lot of action now.

One can only hope that he comes close to Reggie Nelson's '05 campaign.

[P J Shaker]

looks like Tebow is going to have to put up some bigger numbers this year..they are just gonna have to win by outscoring....defense will be a footnote

[Crono139]

The Cleveland Browns of college football.

Our offense should be better than last year. We now have a steady RB in Moody, a soon-to-be healthy Harvin (won't be asked to do everything thanks to more support), and a solid WR corps along with a playmaker in freshman Rainey.

[P J Shaker]

they can win with offense in the SEC....they will still be a good team this year