Tennessee freshman defensive end Ben Martin suffered a torn knee ligament in his left knee that will sideline him for at least several weeks and quite possibly the entire 2007 season.

Martin suffered the non-contact injury when he jumped, then landed awkwardly during Saturday night’s scrimmage. Martin fell to the turf and had to be helped off the field, putting little, if any, weight on the injured leg.

The complete extent of Martin’s injury is not known. If he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, he’ll be out for the season. If it’s the medial collateral ligament that’s torn, Martin’s absence wouldn’t be as long, but still could be season ending.

The extent of the injury, whether it’s a complete or partial tear, will also determine how long Martin is sidelined.

Martin had shown significant improvement recently in preseason camp and was expected to play significant snaps this fall. Now, it seems much more likely he’ll redshirt.

Martin, a U.S. Army All-American, was one of UT’s highest-rated prospects in the 2007 signing class after starring at LaSalle High School in Cincinnati.

More details as they develop online and in Monday's News Sentinel.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.