College Football

Staten Island top NFL prospect tears ACL

Dominique Easley’s first-round draft dreams took a major hit on Wednesday, and his senior year is over as well.

The Staten Island product and University of Florida star defensive tackle, a preseason All-SEC first-team selection, has torn his right ACL and medial meniscus, the school’s head coach Will Muschamp announced. Easley, who tore his left ACL the end of his sophomore year, reportedly sustained the injury during non-contact drills in practice on Tuesday.

“I talked to Dominique and the team this afternoon and we will continue to look for his leadership and experience throughout the season,” the coach said in a statement.

Prior to the announcement, the 6-foot-2, 285-pound Easley took to Twitter and tweeted, “Gatornation thank you for all of 4 yrs of sticking with me but god has something else planned for and have no worries #believe,” on his private Twitter account (@MR_ChUcKiE_2). He was a key figure for the 20th-ranked Gators’ stout defense, which is second in the country in yards allowed.

Easley, an All-American at Curtis High School on Staten Island, has five tackles this season — including two for losses — and is tied for the team lead with four quarterback hurries. Prior to the injury, his draft stock was rising. NFLDraftScout.com had him ranked 29th of all prospects and as the third defensive tackle in the nation for eligible players, and Sports Illustrated slotted him going 15th overall in its latest mock draft. He could apply for a medical red-shirt — players who compete in less than four games qualify — and return to Gainesville, Fla, however.