Lewis-Moore has torn ACL

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Notre Dame defensive end Kapron Lewis-Moore's college career ended with a second injury to his right knee.

The fifth-year senior tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee during the Irish's 42-14 loss to Alabama in the BCS championship game Monday, the university announced Thursday.

Lewis-Moore is expected to have surgery in the next 10 to 14 days, with an estimated recovery time of four to six months, Notre Dame said in a news release.

"Haha well it's official! But seriously I can't stop thanking everyone for their support! Can't let this injury stop me from moving forward!" Lewis-Moore posted on his Twitter account Thursday.

The 6-foot-4, 306-pound Weatherford, Texas, native injured the same knee last season, suffering a detached medial collateral ligament in a 31-17 home loss to USC on Oct. 22, 2011, and missing the final six games of that season.

The four-year starter had 40 tackles and career highs in tackles for loss (8 1/2) and sacks (6) this season for Notre Dame (12-1). He had 179 tackles with 22 tackles for loss and 12 sacks at Notre Dame.

Lewis-Moore's injury will prevent him from being able to take part in the NFL Combine (Feb. 20 to 26) and Notre Dame's pro day during the spring. The NFL draft is April 25 to 27.