Starting linebacker Ramon Buchanan suffered a season-ending knee injury Saturday against Bethune-Cookman. Buchanan was injured during the first quarter of the Canes’ 45-14 win over the Wildcats.
Buchanan, a senior, started every game for Miami this season, totaling 18 tackles in four games. He also blocked a field goal in a loss to Kansas State.
With only four games played in 2011, the thought process is that Buchanan will apply for a hardship waver from the NCAA, allowing his return in 2012.
Kelvin Cain, Jordan Futch and Denzel Perryman are the leading candidates to replace Buchanan as starter.
Based on recent play, one would expect the true freshman (Perryman) to make the strongest push for the starting job, though coaches have stated that his overall play has been inconsistent.
Futch is the most experienced of the bunch, as a senior and Cain saw action this weekend against Bethune-Cookman, the exclamation point being a 59-yard interception return for a touchdown.