For the second time within a week, Florida has lost a key starter for the rest of the 2013 season. Quarterback Jeff Driskel broke his leg in Saturday’s win against Tennessee, sitting him for the rest of the season. Now the defense has officially taken a hit up front.
Earlier in the day there was much confusion over the status of one of Florida’s top players, defensive tackle Dominique Easley. Hours later, the school confirmed Easley will miss the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL in his right knee. Easley suffered the injury during a Tuesday practice in a non-contact drill.
“As I said earlier today on the SEC Conference Call, Dominique injured his right knee in practice in a non-contact situation,’’ Florida head coach Will Muschamp said following Wednesday’s practice, as quoted in the school’s release. “Test results have revealed that he suffered a tear of both his ACL and medial meniscus, which will require season-ending surgery.”
Florida’s defense has been the strength of their season so far, so losing one of their top performers will be a tough loss. Easley is a senior as well, which means he has very likely played his final college game and will have to rehab with a potential invite to the NFL Scouting Combine as the target.
“Obviously, it is hardest on Dominique,” Muschamp said. “We are disappointed for him, but we will be there for him every step of the way through his surgery and rehab process.”
This is the second time Easley has suffered a torn ACL of course. At the end of the 2011 season Easley torn the ACL in his left knee.
Florida also announced Driskel underwent surgery on Wednesday for his broken leg. The surgery inserted a plate and screws in his leg and doctors also tended to medial ligaments and inserted screws in his ankle.