After failing to live up to his immense potential during his college career, Andre Debose entered the 2013 season hoping to make the most of his final opportunity.
With one misstep, his season is finished.
Debose suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during Tuesday’s practice and will require surgery, according to a UF press release. The redshirt senior expected to start at kick returner for the Gators and was in the mix for a starting job at receiver.
“I know that Andre is disappointed,” coach Will Muschamp said. “He had been doing very well in camp and we were more than pleased with his effort and attitude. Andre was hurt in a non-contact situation. He just planted his foot and there was a tear.”
Debose, who was once compared to Percy Harvin by former UF coach Urban Meyer, has only 29 receptions for 543 yards and four touchdowns in his career.
His biggest contribution to the program has come as a kick returner. Debose holds the school record with four return touchdowns and is second in Southeastern Conference history with an average of 27.4 yards per kick return.
“It is unfortunate and you feel bad anytime that someone is injured,” Muschamp said. “The coaching staff and our team will be very supportive in assisting Andre during his recovery.”
Debose received a medical redshirt following the 2009 season. He can petition the NCAA for a sixth year of college eligibility.
Contact Phil Heilman at pehilman@alligator.org.
Junior wide receiver Andre Debose returns a kick off against Tennessee at Kyle Field on Sept. 15, 2010. Debose was pushed into a window during a brawl Saturday night.
