‘Prayers answered’: Jaylen Mbakwe back with Georgia Tech after scary injury

Jaylen Mbakwe joined Georgia Tech’s team meeting Monday, less than 24 hours after he was released from the hospital.

The junior cornerback left the field on a stretcher during the second half of Saturday’s 45-24 loss to Tennessee. He stayed at Grady Memorial Hospital overnight with an undisclosed injury.

By Monday, he was back with his teammates.

“That was something that was important to him, to get back up and into a routine,” Tech coach Brent Key said. “Get to the team meeting, get to the practice meeting, being with the guys in meetings.”

Mbakwe, an Alabama transfer, started each of Tech’s first two games and has two tackles this season. There is no timetable for his return to the field.

“He’s sore,” Key said. “I don’t know a time frame on it. It’s going to be up to him. But he’s healthy, prayers answered on that one. That’s a scary situation.

“He’ll be back this year. He’s in some pain. He’s sore as crap. Very blessed that he ended up being all right.”

Mbakwe was injured in the third quarter on a short run by Tennessee when he and Yellow Jackets defensive end Jordan Walker collided. Walker had to be helped to the sideline.

Mbakwe remained on the field for several minutes.

An emotional Key stood alongside him as he was placed on a stretcher, while many of his teammates gathered around him.

“I thought our trainers and doctors did an outstanding job,” Key said. “You talk about calm breeds calm. You see them being able to go out there and be able to execute their game plan. That was very comforting to see.

“I know for his family that was very comforting as well. He’s a great kid. I have an unbelievable relationship with that guy.”

Mbakwe earned a starting spot at Tech after transferring from Alabama earlier this year.

The 6-foot, 200-pound former 5-star recruit from Clay, Alabama, played quarterback, wide receiver, running back and defensive back in high school.