Jersey Shore Teen Linebacker Hospitalized With Neck, Spinal Injuries

KEYPORT, NJ - A Keyport High School football player suffered a severe neck and spinal injury during a weekend game, resulting in hospitalization and multiple surgeries, the school district said in a statement on Monday.

Logan Blanks, a senior linebacker for the Red Raiders, underwent two extensive, multi-hour long surgeries at Jersey Shore Medical Center to address the injuries sustained during the Saturday game against Lakewood High School, according to the school district and his family.

Per a GoFundMe set up on Monday, Blanks has “feeling, movement and sensation” in his limbs and is expected to make a full recovery. The fundraiser has amassed over $7,700 in less than 24 hours.

“An additional surgery was performed on him Sunday morning and through the grace of God and your sincere prayers and well wishes, he is on his way back to a complete recovery,” Blanks’ father wrote in a Facebook post Sunday. “However, it will take some time and effort on his part as well as ours and the community.”

In a statement posted to Twitter, Keyport Athletics attributed Blanks’ optimistic recovery to JSMC doctors as well as Keyport Athletic Trainer Kelly O’Donnell, Lakewood athletic staff and Keyport first responders.

“We as a district are lucky to have such a professional, well prepared and thorough staff available to us on site,” the athletic department wrote.

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Blanks serves as the latest victim in a string of brutal injuries suffered by New Jersey high school football players on the field. Two weeks ago, St. John Vianney Catholic High School’s Aaron Van Trease was airlifted to the hospital after being injured during the first quarter of a game against Manasquan on Sept. 23. Read more: NJ Teen Quarterback Airlifted To Hospital Following Game Day Injury

Last month, Xavier McClain of Linden High School died after suffering a traumatic brain injury during a Linden High School Tigers football game against Woodbridge High School on Sept. 9. Read more: Union Co. Teen Dies After Traumatic Brain Injury During Football Game

Ali Muhammad, who served as a defensive lineman for Rahway High School’s team, died in his sleep on Sept. 8, his family said. A football injury leading up to his death was not reported by his family or his coaches.