Everything has been going Notre Dame's way throughout the 2012 season, but the first day of 2013 has started off on a horrible note for the Irish. Top recruit Torii Hunter has gone down with an apparent knee injury, according to reports.

This injury took place in practice as Hunter was preparing to participate in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl that will take place this weekend. It is a game that features some of the top high school players from across the country.

Mike Farrell of Rivals.com was one of the first to break the news.

Looks like a bad knee injury over here at west practice for Tori Hunter. Down on ground in horrible pain. Awful to see. #ND — Mike Farrell (@rivalsmike) January 1, 2013

As the news continued to develop, we discovered that Hunter was carted off the field and was wearing an air cast, according to Damon Sayles of ESPN.

Looks like Torii Hunter Jr. is wearing an air cast. Will try to have more for you guys later. #Irish #ArmyBowl — Damon Sayles (@DamonSayles) January 1, 2013

Sayles also later reported that the injury may in fact be serious for one of the top wide receiver prospects.

Early reports are that Torii Hunter Jr. has a torn quad, but that hasn't been medically cleared. Stay tuned. #ArmyBowl #Irish — Damon Sayles (@DamonSayles) January 1, 2013

This is without question the worst news that Notre Dame has received in quite some time. Hunter is considered a 4-star recruit by Scout.com at the wide receiver position. He is known for his ability to make big plays on the offensive side of the ball. His combination of great hands and terrific route running makes him one of the top recruits of the 2013 class for Notre Dame.

Hunter had offers from nearly every school imaginable, including Alabama, Oklahoma, West Virginia and Oklahoma State. He is also known for being the son of All-Star baseball player Torii Hunter, who has won nine gold glove awards.

Hopefully this injury is nothing serious, and the young man can continue his promising collegiate career without any major setbacks.