GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida offensive tackle Martez Ivey, the prized recruit of coach Jim McElwain's first class, is sidelined indefinitely with a leg injury.

McElwain said Ivey will have arthroscopic surgery Friday to "get that cleaned up." The coach declined to reveal details about Ivey's injury.

It's a significant setback for the already-thin Gators. Widely regarded as the top offensive line recruit last year, Ivey likely would have started the Sept. 5 opener against New Mexico State.

McElwain said the injury is "a pre-existing thing that was kind of bothering him. We'll get that cleaned up. Have no idea exactly when his return will be."

But McElwain said Ivey will be back: "I don't know how quickly or anything yet. It doesn't appear to be a season-ending thing or anything like that."