Tyson Gentry underwent his second surgery Monday and remains hospitalized at the Ohio State University Medical Center after suffering a serious neck injury during a scrimmage at practice Friday in Ohio Stadium.
“We feel very good about where he is and how he’s being cared for and his attitude,” coach Jim Tressel said.
Gentry, 20, a third-year walk-on from Sandusky, was injured after being tackled on a pass play by freshman defensive back Kurt Coleman. Tressel said there was nothing unusual about the play.
Gentry underwent his first surgery Friday night soon after being transported to the OSU Medical Center emergency room. The Gentry family requested that no details as to the severity of the injury or a prognosis be given to the media, an OSU spokesman said.
“Ty is alert and in good spirits, and is receiving the very best in medical care,” Gentry’s father Bob said in a statement released by OSU. “My wife Gloria and I want to thank the wonderful team of doctors and nurses for all they have done for him. We also want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. We ask that you continue to keep our son in your prayers.”
Gentry is listed on the roster as a sophomore punter and was a backup to sophomore A.J. Trapasso last season. However, he is trying out this spring as a wide receiver, a position he played in high school.
“I have a lot of respect for him,” sophomore quarterback Todd Boeckman said. “I have a lot of respect for walk-ons in general for what they do and what they have to go through.”
Tressel ended practice when Gentry went down. He then went to the hospital to be with Gentry.
“Tyson is a wonderful young man who loves the game of football and loves being at Ohio State and following in the footsteps of his dad,” Tressel said in a statement released by the university. “Our players, coaches and everyone in the Ohio State athletics department family are praying fervently for his recovery.”
Bob Gentry played for OSU in the mid-1970s but never earned a letter.
During this difficult time, the players and coaches are trying to stay optimistic and maintain their focus and concentration.
“I know deep down in Tyson’s heart he wants everyone to do good and be positive out there,” senior quarterback Troy Smith said. “If he doesn’t know by now, everybody out there – all 100-plus guys behind him – just want him to recover as well and as fast and as soon as possible.”
If you would like to send cards, flowers or your best wishes to Gentry and his family please send them to The Ohio State University Medical Center, attention Tyson Gentry, 410 W. 10th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210.
