Vols lose two key defensive starters for the seasonESPN.com news services On the eve of its rivalry game against No. 7 Florida, No. 13 Tennessee lost two key defensive starters for the season, the school announced Sunday. Defensive tackle Justin Harrell (biceps) and cornerback Inquoris "Inky" Johnson (shoulder) were hurt in the Volunteers' 31-30 victory over Air Force on Saturday night, in which Tennessee had to stop the Falcons' two-point conversion attempt with 1:35 left. "Inky Johnson has sustained a severe injury to his right upper extremity," Tennessee head athletic trainer Jason McVeigh said in a statement. "He underwent surgery to repair blood vessels and will require further surgery for nerve injury in the future. He is in stable condition at this time. He will not return to play this season. The family has requested that the media and fans respect his privacy during this time. "Justin Harrell sustained a ruptured biceps tendon in the game Saturday night," the statement continued. "The injury will require surgery to be corrected. He will not return to play this season. It is anticipated that he will make a full recovery." Harrell, a 306-pound senior, is Tennessee's best pass rusher and had 7½ sacks last season. Johnson, who emerged as one of the Vols' top defensive backs last season, was knocked unconscious while making a tackle late in the Air Force game. He was immobilized and carried off the field on a stretcher. Fulmer said Johnson regained consciousness before leaving the field. "We're just really glad it's not anything with the head or neck," Fulmer said Sunday. The Volunteers were already thin in the secondary after losing junior Roshaun Fellows to a season-ending shoulder injury during the preseason. Sophomore Demetrice Morley replaced Johnson late in the Air Force game and will be a candidate to replace him against the Gators. The Vols also could move one of their two safeties, Jonathan Hefney or Antwan Stewart, to cornerback, or go with a younger player such as Antonio Gaines. "We're thin back there a little bit," Fulmer said. Also, Tennessee tailback Arian Foster sprained his ankle in the first half of the Air Force game and never returned. He is questionable to play against the Gators.
Would of course rather have the Vols at full strength. Too bad for these young men and hope they have a fast and full recovery. This definitely could hurt the Vols as Chris Leak is looking very strong this season. More time to throw without Harrell and more open receivers although Morely was a very highly recruited player.
I will add that injuries are part of the game and it sometimes does have a damaging effect. In last year's win over Tenn the Gators lost Andre Caldwell and Ray McDonald and it definitely showed up vs. Alabama and LSU a few games later.
Injuries are definitely a big factor in any teams season. But it's part of the game and other guys just have to step up, if you have recruited well then there should be somebody behind the injured guys who now has that same opportunity that Lou Gehreg had when the other Yankee 1st baseman got injured. Terry
By contrast UF is very healthy going into Knoxville.... http://www.gatorsports.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060911/GATORS01/209110343