A scary moment from Saturday’s game seems to have a positive outlook, according to Nebraska coach Scott Frost.
With Illinois leading 38-17 in the fourth quarter, Nebraska senior inside linebacker Collin Miller went down on the field. It was quickly clear something was not right after Miller did not get up, and players started to take a knee.
Miller was placed on a board and stretchered off of the field. Video showed Miller moving his hand as he left the field, a positive sign for those watching from home.
“It’s scary, scary stuff and let’s just all send up our prayers to Collin Miller,” Frost said following the game. “As I was saying, I didn’t know if it was nearly as bad, it didn’t look like the collision was that bad, it looked like one of those that you see many times in a game but sometimes it can be a weird angle or something. Like I said he’s such an impressive young man, this is just gutting.”
Frost also shared that the preliminary examination looks good.
“Collin’s been the heart and soul of our football team,” Frost said. “Collin’s probably been our best leader, and he’s played really well for us. Right now, I’m cautiously optimistic that everything looks good. From what I hear, he has feeling everywhere, full range of motion, movement. And the preliminary examination looks pretty good. Our prayers are with him.”
Senior defensive back Dicaprio Bootle called the injury heartbreaking. He said while they understand the risk when they suit up, it doesn’t make it any easier.
“Just seeing Collin down there, my friend, my brother since we came in, it really hit me,” Bootle said. “Just heartbreaking how much that guy puts in. Just knowing how at times he’s the heart and soul of our defense. Really coming out, bringing the energy all the time.”
Miller recorded 23 total tackles and two tackles for loss through three games so far in 2020. He had four against the Illini prior to the injury.
Update (5:40 p.m. CT): Miller tweeted later on Saturday that he appreciated the thoughts and prayers.
I want to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers as they definitely worked. God was with me. pic.twitter.com/455xm7WOd0
— Collin Miller (@C_millz31) November 21, 2020
Update (6:05 p.m. CT): Nebraska released a statement on Miller’s status:
“Collin Miller was transported to Bryan LGH West Hospital for precautionary reasons. Miller has movement in all of his extremities, and the results of all diagnostic imaging and testing on Miller were normal. He will stay overnight at the hospital for observation and at this point the prognosis looks promising.”
