After his second concussion, Nebraska says it will honor Zack Darlington’s scholarship offer
Apopka, Fl. High School QB Zack Darlington suffered his second concussion in two months on Saturday and is out indefinitely. However, according to his father, Rick, Nebraska will honor its offer to Zack even if he isn't able to play football again.
Rick Darlington, the Apopka coach released the statement Monday after Zack was released from the hospital on Sunday after he was airlifted from the game on a stretcher after the hit.
I spoke with Bo Pelini, the head football coach at the University of Nebraska [on Monday] morning. He told me that if Zack plays again this year, if he doesn't play this year or if he never plays football again, they want him as a Cornhusker.
This type of integrity and loyalty is why Zack chose Nebraska as his college destination, and we are very thankful to coach Pelini and his staff for their support of my son, not just as a football player but as a young man.
According to his father, Zack suffered the first concussion during a summer conditioning practice. It's a classy move by Pelini and the Cornhusker staff to keep the offer on the table for Darlington despite his unsure future. It's also a great statement by Rick Darlington given his role as both father and football coach. (You can read the full statement at the link above.)
Last season, Florida State said it would honor Richy Klepal's scholarship after he suffered his fifth concussion and ended his playing career.
Zack Darlington committed to Nebraska and June and in 2012 was named the Sentinel's Offensive Player of the Year after he led Apopka to the Florida Class 8A state championship. Best wishes go out to him in his recovery. We're learning more and more every day that concussions are not to be taken lightly.
