TriCities Sports: Vols' Martin Damages Knee Ligament; Could be Done for Season

The results of the knee injury suffered by Tennessee freshman defensive end Ben Martin are in...and the results are not good. The diangosis is a damaged knee ligament that could end the freshman's season before it gets started. Martin was injured in Saturday night's scrimmage after jumping landing awkwardly on his knee. There was no contact involved when Martin fell. Further exams will be required to determine exactly which ligament was torn. If its a torn ACL, Martin's season is over. However, a torn MCL would still mean significant time on the sideline, but potentially not season-ending. A determination will also be made on whether the tear is complete or partial. Martin was signed last Feburary out of LaSalle High School in Cincinnati and was one of the top-rated recruits in top five signing class by head coach Phillip Fulmer. Martin had been pushing for playing time during preseason drills and likely would have been used a pass rushing specialist with his speed off the edge at defensive end. Should Martin miss this season, he'll be eligible for a medical redshirt.  He would still have four years eligibility remaining beginning in 2008.