Florida State junior defensive tackle Moses McCray and running back Tavares Pressley were lost for the year with torn ACLs, according to the team's Tuesday practice report. Pressley, who was competing for time against a deep group of running backs, was injured Friday. McCray, who has 14 career starts in two seasons, was injured Saturday.
"Neither one was hit," coach Jimbo Fisher said in the team's practice report. "They were cuts on the field and there wasn't anyone around them. They just stuck their foot in the ground and it went out. It's very unfortunate because they're both great kids."
The losses are adding up for Florida State, which also suspended junior linebacker Nigel Carr, who is facing felony charges, and dismissed receiver Jarmon Fortson from the team for a violation of team rules.
Pressley was entering his final season of eligibility and expected to be a backup. He had just nine carries last year but led the Garnet team in rushing with 40 yards on three carries this past spring. Without McCray, none of the interior defensive linemen has more than one season of college experience. It's not an ideal situation for a defense in transition under first-year coordinator Mark Stoops.
Fisher will rely upon defensive tackles Jaccobi McDaniel, Everett Dawkins and Anthony McCloud. As a true freshman last year, McDaniel led the tackles with 25 tackles, four tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. McCloud, a junior college transfer, earned "most improved" title this spring, and Dawkins is facing high expectations this year after seven starts last season.
Redshirt freshman Demonte McAllister had a sack and a pass breakup in the spring game and will get more reps now with McCray out.
"For me it means I have an opportunity coming in behind Everett [Dawkins] and try to work my way into the rotation," said McAllister. "Moses is a big loss for us, but we are going to continue to fight hard and make a difference."
Heather Dinich covers ACC football for ESPN.com.