NC State safety leaves on stretcher after late hit

• Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Elder WriterAug 31, 2023, 10:45 PM ET

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  • College football press reporter.
  • Signed up with ESPN.com in 2008.
  • Graduate of Northwestern University.NC State safety

Rakeim Ashford was taken to a Connecticut healthcare facility for examination after taking in a late hit throughout Thursday night’s season opener versus UConn.Ashford had experience and motion in his extremities, according to an NC State spokeswoman. More information of his condition were not instantly known, but coach Dave Doeren stated after the game that initial tests from the healthcare facility were” positive.””They’re going to keep him over night to make sure, but every test they’ve done so far is OK,”he said.Ashford, a fifth-year player from Ackerman, Mississippi, left the field on a stretcher during the 3rd quarter. His head hit the grass after a late hit from UConn’s Isiah Davis throughout a kickoff return. Ashford was not looking as Davis shoved him from the side.Davis got a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty for the hit.Ashford gave a thumbs-up as he was carted off the field after a long delay.

Gamers and coaches from both teams collected as medical workers addressed Ashford.A transfer from Jones College in Mississippi, Ashford is in his 4th season at NC State and has actually played mainly as a reserve and on special groups. He missed out on most of the 2020 season because of an injury

after moving into a beginning function.