Vols' Farooq (torn patellar tendon) out for season

The Tennessee Volunteers just got a big blow to their defense with the news that starting safety Edrees Farooq will miss the entire season with a torn patellar tendon in his right knee. This is a tough break for Farooq, who was expected to play a key role in the Vols' secondary this year. The injury happened in practice, which is a reminder that even in the controlled environment of training camp, athletes can still get hurt.

Farooq's absence will be felt on the field, as he was a leader in the Vols' defense last season. The team will need to find a way to replace his production and leadership, which won't be easy. The SEC is one of the toughest conferences in college football, and the Vols will need to be at their best to compete with teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. The injury also raises questions about the Vols' overall depth and experience in the secondary.

So what's next for the Vols? They'll need to take a close look at their roster and figure out who can step up to fill Farooq's shoes. The coaching staff will also need to adjust their defensive scheme to account for the loss of a key player. We'll be keeping an eye on the Vols' preseason camp to see how they respond to this adversity. Can they find a way to overcome the loss of Farooq and make a deep run in the SEC? We'll be watching closely to find out.

Originally reported by espn.com. SportsNewsletter adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.