CHAMPAIGN — Illinois junior defensive end Bobby Roundtree suffered a severe spinal injury Saturday in a swimming accident nearr his home of Largo, Fla., and underwent surgery that night, according to a release from the Illini football team.
Roundtree is currently in recovery at Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor, Fla. No further information is available at this time.
“Bobby Roundtree is exactly what you want in a student-athlete,” Illinois coach Lovie Smith said in an official statement. “He is a hard worker, dependable, a dedicated student and a leader. This is devastating to his teammates, the entire Fighting Illini family and his family and friends.