Injury impact: Trinton Sturdivant on the comeback

Over the next several weeks, we'll look at how injuries have impacted NFL Draft prospects. This week's subject is Georgia junior offensive tackle Trinton Sturdivant.

In 2007, Sturdivant was a star for the Bulldogs. He started 13 games at left tackle and made everyone's Freshman All-American team. Sturdivant had prototypical size, quickness and agility for the position.

It was clear then that Sturdivant would be a first-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and compared with the likes of Joe Thomas and Jake Long.

Then in 2008, Sturdivant tore his left ACL in a scrimmage and missed the season. In the first game of the 2009 season, against Oklahoma State, Sturdivant re-injured the knee and missed the remainder of the year.

Studivant started the season behind left tackle Clint Boling. But it was no surprise to see Sturdivant take his position back in early October. With Sturdivant on the left side, Georgia went 5-2.

It's clear Sturdivant is on the comeback trail. Although he may be a step slower, he could develop into a solid offensive tackle prospect with another year at Georgia. Teams may be wary spending a pick in the first two rounds on him, but it's hard to look past his potential.

Now his left knee just needs to hold up.