Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech

Northern Illinois’ Devin Lafayette recovering after severe injury

Northern Illinois' running back Harrison Waylee (30) is hit by Georgia Tech's defense causing a fumble later during the second half Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. Northern Illinois won 22-21. (Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Northern Illinois' running back Harrison Waylee (30) is hit by Georgia Tech's defense causing a fumble later during the second half Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. Northern Illinois won 22-21. (Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com)
By
Sept 5, 2021

Northern Illinois safety Devin Lafayette was recovering from surgery Sunday after a severe injury suffered in Saturday night’s game against Georgia Tech at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Sunday, Lafayette remained in an Atlanta hospital following surgery in the morning, Huskies team spokesman Donna Turner told the AJC.

“From all accounts, it went well, and he’ll be out indefinitely,” Turner said.

In the second quarter, Lafayette, a second-year freshman from Brunswick High, collided directly with a teammate in the secondary on a pass play and fell to the ground with what appeared to be an injury to his left leg. He was treated on the turf for several minutes before being taken from the field in an ambulance as Yellow Jackets and Huskies fans clapped in support.

Lafayette is one of six NIU players from the state of Georgia.

About the Author

Ken Sugiura is a sports columnist at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Formerly the Georgia Tech beat reporter, Sugiura started at the AJC in 1998 and has covered a variety of beats, mostly within sports.

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