Notebook: Munroe likely out for year with ACL

Senior safety Dorian Munroe’s college football career has likely ended.

Days after Florida coach Urban Meyer said Munroe reinjured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, Meyer confirmed Thursday that Munroe will be sidelined for the rest of the season.

“He’s done,” Meyer said. “I’m pretty sure he’s done for the year.”

Munroe tore his ACL in the same knee during the summer of 2008, causing him to miss all of last season.

He then reinjured the knee in preseason practice.

Munroe’s only action of the season came on special teams in Florida’s 41-17 win over Georgia on Oct. 31.

The Gators got some positive news on the injury front Thursday.

Junior linebacker Brandon Hicks (hamstring) practiced at full speed this week and will play Saturday when No. 1 Florida (9-0, 7-0 SEC) visits South Carolina (6-4, 3-4).

The addition of Hicks means Florida will have a full stable of linebackers as senior Brandon Spikes will return from his one-game suspension.

Meyer was thrilled to have his linebacker corps healthy, but he lamented on the future of the position if he and his staff don’t add some bodies in recruiting this year.

“We’ve got some depth at linebacker,” he said. “The problem is the three of them are seniors. We better recruit some depth, too.”

Meyer also had a positive update on junior cornerback Moses Jenkins, who is still recovering from a concussion he suffered during the Kentucky game on Sept. 26.

Jenkins practiced this week and is feeling better, but Meyer said he’s yet to be cleared to play.

“It’s good to see that,” Meyer said of Jenkins practicing. “He’s out there running around and feeling pretty good.”

Military uniforms

Meyer said he has read about the specially designed uniforms the Gamecocks will wear in conjunction with the Wounded Warrior Project to honor the American troops Saturday and he is giving South Carolina his complete endorsement.

“I think it’s a great idea and we’re in full support of it,” he said. “For the University of South Carolina, that’s a great thing to do.”

The Gamecocks will dress in black-and-desert camouflage uniforms featuring the Wounded Warrior Project logo. The core value embellishment — Duty, Honor, Courage, Commitment, Integrity, Country, and Service — will replace the players’ last names on the back of each jersey.

Ailing receivers

Freshman receiver Andre Debose has missed his first year because of a hamstring injury, but appears to be in good physical shape. Meyer said he expects Debose to be ready for practice this spring and that he’s coming along in his recovery.

“I’d grade him a ‘B,’ Meyer said of Debose’s rehab. “I expect him to be an ‘A’ in the weight room. Obviously, he’s out of that stuff and I think he’s going to starting moving around, running around next week.”

Another receiver who has missed all of the 2009 season thus far is senior Carl Moore (back). There is a redshirt available to him, but Meyer is holding out hope that he’ll play this year. Meyer said Thursday that Moore is “starting to look better.”

Redshirt freshman T.J. Lawrence saw limited action at the start of the year, catching zero passes, but has returned two kicks for 69 yards. He’s been sidelined for most of the year with meniscus injury and finally had knee surgery to repair the injury.

Lawrence has been on crutches of late, but Meyer said he should be off them next week.