Cherokee football player remains in ICU

A Cherokee High School football star injured in a swimming pool accident last week remained in Grady Hospital’s intensive care unit Tuesday, listed in fair condition.

Matt Blaylock, an all-county linebacker who earned a scholarship to Tusculum College in Greeneville, Tenn., underwent surgery for spinal injuries Monday.

He hurt himself Friday night diving into the shallow end of a pool in the BridgeMill subdivision in Canton, and was flown by helicopter to Grady.

Blaylock, 18, who also competed in basketball and track, was on the minds of many at Cherokee High’s graduation Saturday. School administrators will give Blaylock his diploma when he is well enough to receive visitors.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said it is investigating the accident.