Harvard freshman defensive back Ben Abercrombie suffered a severe neck injury on Saturday, Sept. 16, when he collapsed after a collision with a Rhode Island receiver.

Last season, Abercrombie was a standout player for the well-known Hoover High School Buccaneers in Alabama. His team won the 7A state title a season ago.

He’s beginning to regain some feeling in his arms and legs, according to a quote from his family in this AL.com report. Hopefully, that’s good news.

On Wednesday, Abercrombie received a call from Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who reportedly offered words of encouragement while comforting Abercrombie and his family.

“He let our family know that everyone back in Alabama is thinking of us and ready to assist us during Ben’s recovery,” Ben’s father, Marty Abercrombie, said.

Abercrombie had to undergo emergency surgery following the neck injury and experienced full paralysis, the report stated.

“We ask everyone to keep praying that Ben makes a successful transition to breathing without assistance, and then we will shift focus to the paralysis,” his father said.