In a stunning turn of events, NC State’s starting quarterback, Grayson McCall, was rushed to a nearby hospital after a brutal hit to the head during Saturday’s nail-biting 34-30 loss to Wake Forest. McCall, who had been sidelined for two games due to a concussion, made a valiant return to the field only to be carted off after a devastating interception in the first quarter.
The Wolfpack’s signal caller was tackled by two Wake Forest defenders, causing his helmet to fly off and leaving him motionless on the turf. The NC State players’ immediate reaction was one of concern, as they frantically signaled for medical assistance. Trainers swiftly arrived, carefully cutting off McCall’s jersey and fitting him with a neck brace as his teammates looked on, visibly shaken.
After a lengthy delay, McCall was finally carried off the field, where he flashed a reassuring two-finger gesture to the crowd before being whisked away into the tunnel. Miraculously, all scans came back normal, and McCall was later released from the hospital, reportedly “alert and in good spirits.”
Coach Dave Doeren expressed his relief, stating that McCall had fully cleared concussion protocols prior to the game and was deemed fit to play. “It’s just a harsh reminder of the physicality of this sport,” Doeren lamented. “Grayson took a vicious hit, and it’s heartbreaking to see any player go down like that.”
Freshman CJ Bailey stepped in to replace McCall, putting up an impressive 272 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception on 28-for-42 passing. Despite the loss, the Wolfpack’s resilience and determination will undoubtedly be a driving force as they move forward.
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