Standing in front of a crowded auditorium of middle schoolers from around Alachua County, Florida Gator senior tight end Cornelius Ingram said he is ready to play football again, less than four months after what was thought to be season-ending surgery on his left ACL.

"I'm at the point where if I wanted to play this Saturday, I could play," Ingram said at the Reitz Union, on the University of Florida's campus.

Ingram was named a preseason All-American at tight end by several publications, but he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during two-a-day practices in August, and had surgery later in the week. According to mayoclinic.com ACL rehabilitation usually lasts several months, but Ingram says physical therapist Marty Huegel has given him a vote of confidence. When asked again if that meant he is ready to play, Ingram replied coyly.

"According to Marty, it's going pretty good, I'm running around, so don't be surprised."

Ingram drew a standing ovation on senior day against the Citadel as he crouched into a racing position and sprinted out to Urban Meyer at midfield during the pregame ceremonies.

By Chris Price and Erica Rodriguez, WCJB TV20