University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols' Munoz To Miss 2001 Football Season Following Knee Surgery
July 24, 2001 | Football
May 8, 2001
Tennessee sophomore offensive tackle Michael Munoz will undergo surgery on his left knee May 17 to repair the articular cartilage surface on his femoral condyles. The surgery will be performed by UT Head Team Orthopedist Dr. William Youmans.
The surgery requires an extensive rehabilitation period and will sideline Munoz for the 2001 season. Munoz underwent an arthroscopic evaluation of the knee on April 3 and missed spring practice.
UT Head Coach Phillip Fulmer said the decision to operate on Munoz's knee was made after discussions between Michael, his family and the UT medical staff and a final decision was made in the past few days.
"Michael and his family decided over the weekend to go forward with the surgery," Fulmer said. "Our intention throughout this process has been to release any additional information we had on Michael's status once a decision on the next course of action was finalized. Certainly, everyone is looking out for Michael's best interest for the long term and this surgery should allow him to play pain-free in the future."
The 6-6, 310-pound Munoz started all 12 games at right tackle last season. He became the first Tennessee true freshman offensive lineman since 1981 to be in the starting lineup for the season opener. Munoz, a native of Mason, Ohio, is the son of NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz. The younger Munoz was a freshman All-America pick by rivals.com and The Sporting News in 2000.
Tennessee shuffled its offensive line during spring practice with Munoz out of action. Senior Reggie Coleman, who started all 12 games at left tackle last season, filled Munoz's spot on the right side, while Anthony Herrera shifted from guard to left tackle. Senior Fred Weary and junior Will Ofenheusle emerged from spring practice as Tennessee's probable starters at guard with Scott Wells holding down the center position.
Fulmer said the loss of Munoz will hurt the offensive line, but still anticipates the Vols having a strong offensive front.
"In terms of Michael's playing status for the fall, we hoped for the best and prepared for the worst as we went through the offseason and spring practice," Fulmer said. "This will give some young offensive linemen an opportunity to step up and perform to overcome Michael's absence."
