ROSWELL, Ga. -- Roswell Hornets backup quarterback Riley Easterly suffered a gruesome injury during the team's scrimmage against Langston Hughes on Friday night.
Easterly, a sophomore who is part of the Class of 2020, was running on a quarterback keeper and tried to cut during the play. But his foot stuck in the ground, and the awkward movement resulted in a freak injury.
"My foot like stuck in the ground and then broke my tibia and fibula and had a compound fracture where the bone came through the skin," Easterly told 11Alive on Monday.
Riley Easterly Second string #QB
— The Hornet Network (@hornetnetwork68) August 12, 2017
leg injured taking off the field on the stretcher please #pray#RoswellGA #weareroswell pic.twitter.com/GjS1YAE6Zj
Easterly said he doesn't remember much after that because he went into shock. Both teams took a knee as he received medical attention and was taken off the field on a stretcher.
He was taken to Grady hospital where he had surgery on Saturday to repair the bones in his leg. He returned home on Monday. His recovery is expected to last 6-7 months.
The support on social media was overwhelming as teammates, friends, and members of the Roswell community sent prayers and messages of encouragement.
Looking good @RileyEasterly - praying for you to be back soon!ππ»stay strong!ππ#wellmade pic.twitter.com/OfDs2gLcXM
— Roswell TDC (@TDCROSWELL) August 13, 2017
Best wishes for a quick and complete recovery! Get back soon.
— Robert Shaw Ed.D (@RoswellPrinShaw) August 14, 2017
"The support has been amazing and everyone in the community has been so encouraging and helpful through everything," he said. "Couldn't be in a better place than here in Roswell."
Easterly, who is also listed as linebacker and running back on the team's website, said he will be in attendance for the team's season opener against South Forsyth in the Corky Kell Classic at Georgia State Stadium and will be on the sideline.
The game will be broadcast on The ATL on Friday.