PITTSBURGH — Pitt freshman offensive lineman Chris Jacobson needs surgery to repair a dislocated knee cap and may miss the season.

The 6-foot-3, 285-pound Jacobson, a left guard from Pittsburgh's Keystone Oaks High School, was considered one of Pitt's top recruits for this season. He was challenging for a starting job as a freshman, a rarity for a lineman.

"It's just an unfortunate thing," Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said Monday. "We'll see what happens. We'll try to get him back as quickly as we can. Nothing will be decided on how long he's out until after the surgery, and that should take place next week. We're still working through that."

Jacobson was hurt during drills that took place before a Saturday scrimmage. Even if he misses the season, he can take a redshirt and still play four college seasons.

Jacobson's knee injury is the second involving an important Panthers player during training camp. Wide receiver Derek Kinder, an all-Big East first team pick last season, tore a knee ligament on the first full day of camp and will sit out the season.

Jacobson was considered one of the nation's top high school offensive linemen last season. One major recruiting service, Scout.com, rated him as the top college prospect in Pennsylvania, regardless of position.