It was one of the scariest hits Dave Doeren has seen in all his years of coaching college football.
Payers for Grayson McCall
He was slow to get up and is seriously hurt. https://t.co/h8BBQgUMmb
— College Football Headlines (@CFBHeadlines) October 5, 2024
“In reflection, it’s probably 30 years of being on a college field,” said Doeren. “The scariest moment I’ve had, and I felt so bad for him and his parents.”
As McCall was being carted off the field, he held up the peace sign to the crowd, which was an extremely encouraging sign to the fans at the stadium and those watching on TV.
He was taken to Wake Med and tested for everything, and according to Doeren, all that was found was a concussion, which is good news considering the severity of the situation.
“I got to spend time with Grayson and his family at the hospital. After the game, all the scans came back clean, and he was in good spirits. He was released on Saturday night and is with his girlfriend and parents recovering.”
He’s in the concussion protocol, and Doeren stated they will give him time to go through all the steps he wants before discussing next steps. “I think it’s only fair to him and his family to allow them that opportunity and be supportive of him as he goes through this tough time. Thankful that he is, for the most part, okay.”
McCall is a warrior, and despite his injury history, his approach to the game is fearless. “When I was talking to him at the hospital, we were discussing the play itself. He hadn’t seen it, and he said, ‘Coach, I thought about sliding, and then I said, no, I’m not doing that,’ and he’s given the game so much. He’s such a competitor.”
As of Monday, Doeren emphasized that McCall returning to the field hasn’t been ruled out. He’s in concussion protocol.
“This is a process of being cleared medically, but it’s also a time for McCall and his family to assess the timing of his return and ultimately what’s best for his future. As the head coach, Doeren must analyze whether he feels he can responsibly put McCall back on the field.”
“I’m always going to start with the doctors, the family, and the young man. If I felt that way, I have no problem making that call. But I’m going to start with them. I have three sons, and I would want them treated the same way.”
“Ultimately, what matters most is the health of McCall in the present and the future.”
@TheCW_Sports Please show the replay and have your expert comment on the obvious missed Targeting call on the Grayson McCall injury. How on earth did they not review that play? pic.twitter.com/dlyedGdmeJ
— A. Scott Honeycutt (@AScottHoneycut) October 5, 2024
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