Junior running back Jaylen Nickerson (29) scored two touchdowns for the Oak Ridge Wildcats at McMinn County on Friday, September 19, 2014. Nickerson was one of three Oak Ridge High School football players injured in a Tuesday afternoon car crash in Blount County. (File photo by Julio Culiat)
Note: This story was updated at 4:41 p.m.
Two Oak Ridge High School football players are listed in serious condition at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville after a Tuesday afternoon car crash in Blount County, a spokesperson said Wednesday afternoon.
Jaylen Nickerson, who will be a senior this year, and DeVonta Mitchell, who will be a junior, are both at the hospital in serious condition, spokesperson Susan Wyatt said.
Davon Middleton, a third ORHS student-athlete injured in the crash, was reportedly taken to Blount Memorial, treated for a concussion, and released.
Nickerson is a running back, Middleton is a defensive back, and Mitchell is a wide receiver. Nickerson was one of two main running backs last year. T.J. Allison was the other.
The crash was reported on Lamar Alexander Parkway at about 3:40 p.m. Tuesday near John Helton Road.
The three had apparently spent the night with a friend and were reportedly leaving Maryville to come to practice in Oak Ridge at the time of the crash.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol, which is investigating the crash, said a report might not be available for a few days.
Oak Ridge Schools Superintendent Bruce Borchers release a statement on Wednesday morning.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Oak Ridge High School students and families that have been impacted by this car accident,” Borchers said.
Oak Ridge Wildcats football coach Joe Gaddis there has been a lot of concern in the community, a lot of phone calls and text messages, and the families are very appreciative.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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