Arkansas Tech University senior linebacker CJ Johnson was released from a Little Rock hospital on Wednesday night, four days after suffering a crushed C5 vertebra on the second-to-last play of the Wonder Boys' 10-6 victory over Southeastern Oklahoma State in Durant, Okla.
Johnson, from Hattiesburg, Miss., dropped into pass coverage after lining up at the line of scrimmage with Southeastern Oklahoma facing a fourth-and-7 situation at the Tech 27 with less than one minute to play.
Wide receiver Tarrence Taylor ran an inside slant, but the pass from quarterback Rollin Kinsaul went through Taylor's hands near the Tech 20.
Taylor's body twisted as the ball hit the artificial turf at Paul Laird Stadium, turning in a manner that left his back facing Johnson, who crumpled to the field after his helmet made contact with the Savage Storm player.
"It was loud," Arkansas Tech Coach Raymond Monica said of the impact. "I'll say that; it was loud."
Players from both teams immediately waved to the sidelines to alert medical personnel, who attended to Johnson for about 20 minutes before he was placed in an ambulance and taken to a local hospital.
Monica said Johnson was airlifted Sunday to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and underwent neck surgery Monday morning.
Johnson is walking and moving his arms and hands, though he has numbness in his fingertips, Monica said.
Arkansas Tech (3-6) plays its final home game Saturday against East Central in Russellville, and Monica said there was a chance Johnson might take part in senior day ceremonies.
"I'm hoping," Monica said.
Johnson, filling in for injured KJ Reid at middle linebacker, led the Wonder Boys with 8 tackles, 3 unassisted, including 1 tackle for a loss of 3 yards.
Johnson had recorded 4 tackles in 10 games over 2 seasons before Saturday.
"He was playing well," Monica said.
Sports on 11/02/2018