There was a scary scene during Clemson’s matchup against Florida State on Saturday.
Early in the second quarter, Tigers offensive lineman Elyjah Thurmon was taken to the hospital after a head-to-head collision with a Seminoles defender.
The collision was intense enough for medical staffs from both groups to attend to Thurmon with recreation being paused for 11 minutes. ESPN also elected to not present a replay of the hit.
Clemson lineman Elyjah Thurmon is stretchered off the area after a head-to-head collision. ESPN/X
“We’ve seen a replay, we’re not going to show you,” broadcaster Wes Durham said. “Basically, it is a head-on play with the linebacker for Florida State toward the end of the run. There is a lot of concern about Elyjah Thurmon.”
“The folks here have done an unbelievable job attending to him,” Durham added. “Both schools represented. And they’re trying to take the utmost caution here with the young man.”
While being stretchered out, Thurmon gave the crowd a thumbs up, and Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney advised the ACC Network at halftime that Thurmon was responsive and shifting but couldn’t present another replace.
Clemson lineman Elyjah Thurmon is carted off the area and taken to a hospital after a helmet-to-helmet collision. ESPN/X
“I can’t, other than he was responsive and moving,” Swinney said. “But nothing at this time.”
Thurmon was taken to the close by Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and his mom was alongside him.
“His mom is with him, so that was an emotional moment but she is there with him holding his hand,” sideline reporter Madison Fitzpatrick said.
Clemson lineman Elyjah Thurmon is stretchered off the area to be taken to a hospital after a head-to-head collision. ESPN/X
Clemson offensive lineman Elyjah Thurmon is stretchered off the area to be taken to a hospital after a head-to-head collision. ESPN/X
The actual particulars of Thurmon’s damage are still unclear.
Thurmon, a native of Rienzi, Miss., is in his third season with the Tigers after being recruited out of the Bradwell Institute in Georgia.
This is the second time Thurmon has gotten injured this season, having suffered an damage during Clemson’s recreation against Cal on Sep. 25.