RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A highly touted high school quarterback who lost a portion of his right leg after suffering an unusual injury remains hospitalized.
Jacob Rainey, a junior at Woodberry Forest School in Orange, Va., had a portion of his right leg removed after sustaining a severe knee injury in a scrimmage on Sept. 3. The injury ruptured the main artery in his leg, and surgery took place a week later in Fairfax.
The Rainey family has declined interview requests, but the school issued a statement on their behalf Thursday.
“The Rainey family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of interest and support they have received since Jacob was injured,” the state said. “They are currently focusing all of their time and attention on his recovery and are not yet ready to speak with the press or to be interviewed. They expect to share their story at some point; in the meantime, they thank you sincerely for respecting their privacy.”
Rainey, 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, also ran a 4.61 40-yard dash, according to several scouting services. He was being recruited by several schools from major conferences.
The injury took place during a scrimmage on what the school has since determined was a clean tackle. The school also said in a statement that Rainey received prompt and appropriate medical attention after the injury. He was initially taken to Fair Oaks Hospital in Fairfax, and later transported to Fairfax Inova Hospital, where doctors determined the damage was such that that emergency vascular surgery was required.