James Banks knew the 2004 season would get off to a slow start. Now, it might be over before it's begun.

The athletic Banks could miss the entire 2004 football season as a result of a meniscus tear suffered late last week. Banks will undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair the knee Friday.

If the tear is minor, then Banks will be out for three weeks. If the injury is more serious, Banks will miss the entire season.

The 20-year-old junior was already suspended for the first three games of the season after being charged with underage consumption and a violation of the city's noise ordinance in July. His reinstatement to the team is dependent on completing 25 hours of community service and undergoing alcohol counseling.

Banks was suspended for the first half of the Peach Bowl last season and was held out of spring practice for another violation of team rules.

Banks led the Vols with 42 catches for 621 yards and six touchdowns in 2003 including a hail mary reception versus Florida and an overtime touchdown reception to defeat South Carolina.

Banks has split time between safety and wideout this year in preseason camp. Coaches expected Banks to help the Vols at safety when he returned from the suspension. Among his teammates, Banks is widely considered the best natural athlete on the team.

The injury is the same type of injury suffered by freshman Robert Meachem in last season's preseason camp. Meachem's injury was thought to be minor until surgery revealed otherwise. Meachem missed the entire 2003 season. Coaches say he has returned this season with the same explosiveness he exhibited as a freshman.