Monroe, Curtis out from knee injuries

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida rising junior safety Dorian Munroe has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament that will require surgery. The injury to his right knee will force him to miss the 2008 season.

Meanwhile fellow defensive back and rising redshirt senior John Curtis also suffered a season-ending ACL injury to his left knee. Curtis will miss at least the 2008 season. This is the third tear in Curtis’ left knee and he has had two prior surgeries on the same knee.

“Dorian and John were having tremendous off seasons,” said head coach Urban Meyer. “I’m confident Dorian will battle through the rehabilitation process and come back a better football player. John has suffered through multiple knee injuries and the medical staff along with John and his family will need to evaluate his long-term future in football.”

Munroe, a 5-11, 202-pounder from Miami has appeared in 26 games in his first two years at Florida. He saw action in all 13 games with two starts in 2007 and was key member on UF special teams’ unit. The Coral Reef High School graduate collected 28 tackles and had five pass break ups last year and led the team in special team tackles with 13.

Curtis, a 6-2, 208-pounder from Rockledge has appeared in 17 games in his three-year career, mostly on special teams. He played in 11 games in 2007 and recorded seven tackles on special teams. The Cocoa Beach High School graduate blocked a punt in the South Carolina game.