Highly regarded true freshman linebacker Qua Huzzie needs shoulder surgery and will miss the entire 2009 football season, University of Kentucky Coach Rich Brooks announced after Thursday's practice.

Huzzie, the leading tackler in the history of his high school in LaGrange, Ga., said he hurt his shoulder on the first day of fall camp at UK but continued to practice until an MRI showed the damage would require season-ending surgery.

The 5-foot-10, 205-pound Huzzie was making a run at one of the backup spots among the linebacker corps. Instead, he will be redshirted this season and return next year with four seasons of eligibility remaining.