Montario Hardesty's promising college career again is on hold.

Hardesty is due to undergo surgery on his left knee, according to a source within Tennessee's program. The sophomore running suffered an injury this spring while working out.

Hardesty's latest ailment is thought to be minor compared to his previous knee injury. He is expected to be available this season, although his status for fall camp in uncertain.

Hardesty was first sidelined with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee suffered in a game against Ole Miss last season. Hardesty almost returned to the field during spring practice after rehabbing from his initial injury.

Before the first injury, UT's coaches said the promising young tailback had elevated himself to second team behind 2005 starter Gerald Riggs, Jr. Riggs suffered a season-ending knee injury against Alabama on Oct. 22. Hardesty was one of UT's most coveted recruits of the 2005 class after he reneged on a previous commitment to North Carolina.

Sophomore Arian Foster surged into the spotlight after Riggs and Hardesty went down. Foster, then a redshirt freshman, rushed for at least 100 yards in each of his first five starts as he subbed for Riggs. Foster finished the season with 879 yards and 4.8 yards per carry. He is projected to be the starter this fall.

After the breakout performance, Foster was forced to undergo two surgeries during the offseason to repair an injured knee and a loose shoulder. Foster's mother, Bernadette Foster, said her son's recovery is on schedule.

"He's doing real well," she said. "He seems right on track if not a little bit ahead."

Bernadette Foster said that she is confident her son will return in time for fall practice.