Illinois defensive end Bobby Roundtree, who suffered a severe spinal injury in a swimming accident last month, has been transferred to a rehabilitation center in Chicago.
Illini athletic director Josh Whitman provided an update Tuesday when he spoke to reporters.
Roundtree was injured near his hometown of Largo, Fla., and was hospitalized there for a month.
Whitman did not name the Chicago rehab center where Roundtree was taken. He is expected to stay there three to six months before returning to the Champaign campus.
Illini staff members, including coach Lovie Smith, visited Roundtree in Florida and expect to see him often now that he is closer.
“We’re thrilled he’s elected to be in Chicago. It allows us to have people to see him practically every day,” Whitman said.
He added: “He’s got a long road in front of him. We all know Bobby, he’s got an incredible work ethic and an incredible outlook. We will be there to support him every single day.”
Roundtree played two seasons for the Illini and received an honorable mention on the 2018 All-Big Ten team. He had 66 tackles, including 12.5 for loss, 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble, four quarterback hurries and seven batted passes last season.
