Urban Meyer walked up to the media with a pout on his face.
"I've got some bad news for you," Meyer said. "Brandon Antwine tore his ACL, which is just awful."
Antwine, a sophomore defensive lineman, was already doubtful for Saturday's game against Alabama. With the torn ACL, he'll be done with football for much longer.
"There's next year, he's got two years left, but that's a damper for us," Meyer said. "That's a tough deal for us."
The news is particularly sad considering Antwine suffered from a serious back condition last year that nearly caused his death. He played four games during the 2007 season before missing the final six because of lumbar spine myonecrosis, a rare disease that causes the loss of blood pressure, killing muscular cell fibers.
His first career tackle came in the 2006 Southeastern Conference Championship Game against Arkansas.
"If there's a comeback player of the year, it's him," Meyer said.
Antwine's injury thins UF even more at defensive tackle for the SEC Championship Game. Matt Patchan will not be playing, leaving just four healthy defensive tackles. Defensive end Carlos Dunlap will be seeing time at interior lineman.
Meyer said Antwine grew to be like a son to him over these last few years.
"To all of us," Meyer said. "We all love that guy. He's a tremendous guy, he's playing well. Everything happens for a reason. My wife's told me that for a long time, and I believe it.
"He'll come back stronger than ever."
