With high school basketball behind him, Dustin Lindsey is solely focused on college football.

The Tennessee signee has been ruled out of Alcoa High School's postseason basketball run after doctors decided it was best for him to undergo shoulder surgery March 15.

Lindsey said the shoulder has been bothering him since his sophomore year.

"I really noticed it during basketball (this year)," he said. "It came out against Austin-East. I went to the doctor, got the MRI and they told me I needed surgery."

Lindsey said he expects to be ready for UT's fall practice that begins in late July. Lindsey said the typical recovery takes three to four months, including a month in a sling and two to three months in rehabilitation.

"I'm definitely excited to get on campus," Lindsey said. "Even if I have to redshirt that's cool with me.

"I have to get it fixed, might as well get it done now. I know it's going to be a lot more physical at the college level (than in high school)."

Lindsey said he has already started rehabilitating the joint in preparation for surgery, saying, "That should shorten my (recovery) time."

Lindsey suffered the injury in a basketball game against Austin-East on Jan. 20.