KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee receiver Justin Hunter has a torn anterior cruciate ligament and will need season-ending surgery.
School officials announced Hunter's injury in a statement Sunday night, saying the sophomore receiver will miss the rest of this season. He is expected to return for spring practice.
The 6-foot-4, 200-pound wideout was hurt on Tennessee's first passing play in Saturday's 33-23 loss to Florida. He landed awkwardly on his left knee while making a 12-yard reception, dropped to the ground and rolled around in pain. He walked off the field, but ended up in the locker room.
Hunter came into Saturday's game leading the Southeastern Conference in receiving and ranked 10th nationally. He had 17 catches for 314 yards with two touchdowns in three games this season.