KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Teammates of Tennessee cornerback Inky Johnson and defensive tackle Justin Harrell were sad but determined Monday after hearing the injured players will miss the rest of the season.
The bad news comes as the No. 13 Volunteers prepare to host seventh-ranked Florida on Saturday in their annual SEC East showdown.
``We're disappointed two great people like them are hurt and won't be able to play this season. But we know we still have a job to do and that's go out there and make plays and help this football team win,'' receiver Jayson Swain said.
``They would want a ring on their finger at the end of the season, and that's what we're trying to do. We've got to get that for them and get that for ourselves.''
Johnson remained at University of Tennessee Medical Center, where he was taken after he was carted off the field during Tennessee's 31-30 win over Air Force on Saturday.
Coach Phillip Fulmer visited Johnson at the hospital Sunday night.
``He was just waking up again, and we talked for a few minutes. I told him everybody was praying for him, the team was praying for him. He said, 'I'm very blessed,''' Fulmer said. ``He's an amazing young man.''
Johnson, a junior from Atlanta whose full name is Inquoris, was hurt in a collision with Air Force's Justin Handley after a catch. The players were running toward each other along the Falcons sideline. Handley's helmet crashed into Johnson's right shoulder under his chin as his head was turned. Johnson immediately fell limp.
Trainer Jason McVeigh said Sunday that Johnson had surgery to repair blood vessels and will need more surgery because of nerve damage. McVeigh said it was a severe injury but did not offer any other details.
``He's making good progress,'' Fulmer said. ``He's out of any danger. There is no danger or anything like that. He's doing quite well. I think in a lot of ways it's certainly a rallying point for our football team for he and Justin both.''
Said quarterback Erik Ainge: ``It's difficult. It's not that he's a good football player and can help our team. Football is the last thing on his family's and all of our minds right now. You just pray for the best.''
Harrell, a senior from Martin, earned preseason All-SEC honors and chose to return to college rather than leave early for the NFL. He was the only consistent starter from a year ago who returned this season in the front seven. Harrell was projected as a second-round draft pick.
He left the Air Force game early with a ruptured tendon in his left biceps. McVeigh said Harrell will need surgery, and a full recovery was expected.
``They're two great players,'' linebacker Ryan Karl said. ``Without them it's going to be hard to fill their spots, but we do have some depth at defensive back and our defensive tackles are going to have to step it up big.''
Depth at defensive tackle was a concern before the season started. Turk McBride moved over from defensive end to replace Harrell in the game and will start at tackle against Florida, Fulmer said. Xavier Mitchell, who stopped Air Force on its potentially game-winning two-point conversion, will start in place of McBride.
Matt McGlothlin is the other tackle, and he's backed up by J.T. Mapu, who returned to football this season after a two-year Mormon mission.
Freshman Dan Williams and sophomore Demonte Bolden are the other tackles.
In the secondary, Jonathan Hefney will move over from free safety to replace Johnson, and Demetrice Morley will start at safety. Hefney earned Freshman All-SEC honors at corner in 2004 and moved to safety last year.
The secondary's depth became a problem in the preseason with Roshaun Fellows out with a torn pectoral muscle he suffered in spring practice. Fellows started four games at corner last year.
Johnson earned his first career start a year ago when senior Jason Allen was hurt and lost for the season. Allen had a severe hip injury but was drafted this spring by the Miami Dolphins.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Saturday
September 6th, 2025
4:21PM
