The University of Tennessee athletic department announced today that sophomore wide receiver Justin Hunter underwent successful surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee. Hunter suffered the injury during the first quarter of Tennessee’s game at Florida on September 17.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Greg Mathien and Dr. Russell Betcher of the Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic at UT Medical Center. Hunter is expected to return in time to participate in spring practice.

A 6’4, 200-pound receiver from Virginia Beach, Va., Hunter has 17 receptions for 314 yards and two touchdowns this season in three games. In 16 games played over two seasons with the Vols from 2010-11, he has 33 catches for 729 yards and nine touchdowns.