Miami LB Raphael Kirby out for season with knee injury

Miami senior linebacker Raphael Kirby will miss the rest of the season.

Hurricanes coach Al Golden said Sunday that Kirby, a senior, suffered a right knee injury in Saturday’s win over Virginia Tech. Golden didn’t offer specifics about the nature Kirby’s injury, other than to say his season – and career – are over.

“I’m crushed. He represents what we want in a Miami Hurricane,” Golden said, per the Miami Herald. “He does all the little things right, he’s a leader, he’s unselfish, holds his teammates accountable and was obviously a big part of who we are and what we want to become. Tough loss. I feel most badly for the young man because he put a lot into it, but we’ll be there to support him and guide him through this as he comes back Thursday.”

Kirby, who will have surgery on Wednesday, was the team’s leader in tackles (44) through six games this season. He was injured while trying to make a tackle in the third quarter against the Hokies.

Kirby started all 13 games for the Hurricanes in 2014, registering 54 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions. He also played in a combined 20 games in his first two seasons with the program, totaling 26 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack.

Kirby is the third UM linebacker to go down with a serious injury. The Canes already lost Darrion Owens to a knee injury back in September while Marques Gayot is out with a neck issue. According to the Herald, Gayot is “not likely” to return to the field this year. Owens has already been ruled out for the rest of the year.

With Kirby out, sophomore Juwon Young is expected to move into the starting lineup. Young recorded four tackles and an interception against Virginia Tech and has 13 total tackles on the season.

Miami, now 4-2 and 1-1 in ACC play, hosts No. 6 Clemson (6-0, 3-0) on Saturday.

For more Miami news, visit CaneSport.com.

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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

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