Notre Dame sophomore tight end Mike Ragone had successful surgery Friday morning to repair a tear in his left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). He will miss the 2008 season.

Ragone was the projected starting tight end this season, following the depature of captain John Carlson.

Ragone had tweaked his knee and partially tore his left ACL this summer while running routes, according to Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis.

"His two options were to have the knee fixed immediately or to brace it and try to play," Weis explained in a statement. "He understood that eventually the knee would have to be fixed and he was hoping to do it at the conclusion of the 2008 season."

"Mike had continued to practice but felt his progress had deteriorated," Weis said. "Thursday afternoon, Mike came to me and decided that having the surgery done now prior to the start of school would be best."

Weis said the surgery was successful and that Ragone will be ready for the 2009 season.

Will Yeatman, who missed spring practice due to a DUI arrest, will now move up on the depth chart.

Freshmen Kyle Rudolph and Joseph Fauria and junior reserve fullback Luke Schmidt will also see time at tight end.