John Weatherford, a Land O’ Lakes linebacker/fullback, is out for the year after he suffered injuries to his anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee last week.

On Aug. 15, while running up the sideline on a running drill, the senior was tackled by a defensive player who pulled Weatherford down by his jersey. The player then rolled up on Weatherford’s left leg.

The tackle tore his ACL and slightly tore his MCL and PCL.

“I’ve always preached be a leader on and off the field and I guess now, more than ever, I‘m going to have to be a leader off the field like I said I always wanted to be,” Weatherford said Monday. “I always wanted to be a leader off the field and be an example in no matter what I do, so now, more than ever, I’m gong to have to be an example off the field and show people what it’s all about. It’s not just about me, it’s about the team and being a good leader no matter what happens.”

Weatherford, who led the Gators in tackles his junior season, was in talks with Central Florida, Colorado State, Duke, Florida, N.C. State, Rutgers, South Florida, Troy, Wake Forrest and West Point. Although he will not play his senior season in high school, he is still hopeful a school will take a chance on him and allowing him to take a medical redshirt. If not, he is confidence he can go to a college, walk on and earn a scholarship that way.

Weatherford, who will have surgery in two weeks, begins rehab sessions on the injured knee Tuesday.