Aug 19, 2003

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - LSU freshman receiver Amp Hill underwent surgery on his right knee and could miss the entire season.

Hill, a highly recruited player from Jacksonville, Fla., appeared to be earning a spot in LSU's rotation as a freshman before injuries to his medial collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments a week ago. He probably won't be at full speed until late November, according to coach Nick Saban.

Saban said Monday that the ligaments were "reattached, not repaired" during the surgery, and that Hill is "probably looking at three months before he's full-throttle again."

Despite the surgery Hill intends to begin classes Monday when the fall semester begins, Saban said. LSU's plan is to work with him in November and during preparations for possible postseason play, mostly to get Hill ready for the 2004 season.

"Does that mean he's getting redshirted this year?" Saban said. "We'll make that decision when the season's over. You never know. We were going to redshirt Travis Daniels until the (2001) SEC championship game, when we needed him at cornerback."

LSU's goal is to have Hill start next year, Saban said.

Hill isn't the only promising wide receiver from LSU's freshman class out of practice with an injury. Craig Davis will be out for roughly two weeks after dislocating his elbow Friday in practice.

Saban said missing practice this time of year is a critical setback for a freshman, but he said another first-year wide receiver, Dwayne Bowe, has had more opportunities to showcase his ability because of the injuries to Hill and Davis.

"Dwayne Bowe, because of increased reps, has started to make some plays and look like a big-time player," Saban said.