The North Carolina State Wolfpack faced off against the UConn Huskies on Thursday night in the first game of the season for both teams. And unfortunately, the largely entertaining game was marred with an unfortunate and potentially serious injury to NC State safety Rakeem Ashford.
The injury occurred in the third quarter of the game. UConn was kicking off after scoring a touchdown cut their deficit to 17-14.
On the kickoff back to NC State, Ashford was blocking for his kick returner Julian Gray. Gray was taken down around the 27-yard line. As Gray was being tackled, Ashford was hit from the side unnecessarily by UConn defensive back Isiah Davis.
https://twitter.com/TSV__1/status/1697428194444579252
The play was pretty much over once Davis hit Ashford. Unfortunately, Ashford was seriously hurt on the play. He would stay down on the field for ten minutes where he was largely unresponsive before being taken off on a stretcher.
NC State's Rakeim Ashford was down on the field for 10 minutes before being taken off the field on a stretcher.
He gave a thumbs up to the crowd. pic.twitter.com/kZyM6uvrUI
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 1, 2023
Luckily, it was reported that Ashford did have feeling in his extremities and even gave a thumbs-up to the crowd as he was taken off the field. Regardless, this situation certainly could have been avoided and fans were frustrated about the late hit on the play.
Maybe the rules should change for an intentional late hit. Sending heartfelt prayers that everything turns out ok for Rakeim Ashford. 🙏🙏🩷🩷
— Kelly Calhoun (@K3llybird) September 1, 2023
Scary scene here in the NC State-UCONN game. NC State player Rakehim Ashford being carted off and might be ambulances off due to a late unnecessary hit. That’s unacceptable. Completely unnecessary personal foul and someone is seriously hurt.
— Charbot4 (@Charbot41) September 1, 2023
Following unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for “flip” into end zone by @UConnFootball RB, a late hit on KOR has @NCState Player out on sidelines. @cbssports cameras show @UConnFootball players smiling and chatting. Just sickening! Cmon huskies, gotta show some class! So sad!
— Dr. Jerry Lee Punch (@DocPunchESPN) September 1, 2023
Scary scene here as NC State’s Rakeim Ashford being taken off the field in a stretcher after a late hit on the kick return. Please send prayers for him 🙏🏻
— Gabby Hurlbut (@gabbyhurlbut10) September 1, 2023
Ashford 🙏🙏🙏🙏
— Trey Lower 🎙️ (@TreyLowerPxP) September 1, 2023
It wasn’t the most impactful hit, but football fans across the world saw in Damar Hamlin’s injury that it isn’t always the hardest hit that causes the most damage. And given the circumstances around the hit, it was very unfortunate because it simply didn’t need to happen.
