QB McCall launched from healthcare facility after hit to head

• David Hale, ESPN

  • Staff WriterOct 5, 2024, 12:50 PM ET Close College football reporter.Joined ESPN in 2012. Graduate of the University of Delaware.NC State quarterback Grayson McCall was hauled off the field

after taking a hit to the head following an interception in the very first quarter of Saturday’s 34-30 loss to Wake Forest in Raleigh, N.C.McCall was transferred to a neighboring hospital however later on released with NC State announcing that the quarterback”is alert and in good spirits. “All scans were regular, according to the team.McCall was making his very first start after missing the past 2 games for the Wolfpack due to a concussion.After the game, coach Dave Doeren stated McCall had actually passed all concussion protocols in advance of the Wake game and was cleared to play.Editor’s Picks” He was ready to play, and he took a really vicious hit,” Doeren said. “In some cases football is a really violent sport, sometimes, and that was a big hit that he took. … I hate it for him. You just dislike to see a guy get struck like that. And certainly the outcomes of hits like that are frightening.”

McCall has a history of concussions, including a serious head injury last season while dipping into Coastal Carolina that ended his season– and nearly his profession.

“All the reports back from the medical facility are favorable,” Doeren said. “Once they’re done going through all the tests, clearly we’ll have more details at that time.”

With just more than five minutes off the clock, McCall threw a choice and was struck by a pair of Wake protectors, dislodging his helmet and sending out the quarterback to the turf.NC State players instantly signaled for medical personnel after McCall was struck. Athletic trainers highlighted a stretcher, cut off McCall’s jersey and fitted him with a neck brace as Wolfpack players walked off the field in tears.After a long delay, McCall was brought off the field. He held up two fingers to the crowd however otherwise kept his eyes covered as medical personal brought him into the tunnel.No flags were tossed on the play.Freshman CJ Bailey, who began each of the

previous two games versus Clemson and Northern

Illinois, began in relief of McCall. Bailey completed 28-for-42 passing for 272 backyards, two touchdowns and one interception.