Vols star QB Ainge out for spring after injuring knee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee starting quarterback Erik Ainge has injured his knee and will miss the rest of spring practice, coach Phillip Fulmer said Thursday.

Ainge has a partially torn meniscus and will have surgery next week.

The Volunteers started spring practice Feb. 22 and will have next week off for spring break before resuming practice March 20. Spring drills end March 31 with the annual Orange and White game.

Ainge, who will be a senior this fall, set the school's single-season record for completion percentage last season at 67 percent, going 233-of-348 with nine interceptions for 2,989 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Ainge started all but one game last season after a disappointing season in 2005 while splitting time with Rick Clausen. He started several games as a freshman in 2004 before the year was cut short with a separated shoulder.

Ainge sprained his right ankle last year against South Carolina. He tried to play in the next game against LSU but hurt the other ankle. Redshirt freshman Jonathan Crompton relieved him against LSU and started the next game at Arkansas.

The Vols were using spring practice to implement a new no-huddle offense. Ainge also would be integral in helping develop the team's next top receivers. Last year's top three receivers are now gone.