The family of Florida Gators wide receiver Justin Shorter said he is expected to make a full recovery after a scary moment in the final moments of Thursday’s Gasparilla Bowl.
The redshirt junior was carted off the field late after taking a hard hit from a UCF defender while attempting to make a leaping catch. He spent the night at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Fla.
The Florida football program shared a statement from Shorter’s family on Twitter on Friday.
“We are happy to share that Justin is doing well, is clear to head home today and is on his way to a full recovery! We would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of prayers, love and endless support — he is going to be fine!
“Special thanks to everyone on the UF athletic staff and St. Joseph’s Hospital for their professionalism, care and support they have shown Justin and our family.”
Shorter caught three passes for a team-high 54 yards in the Gators’ 29-17 loss to the Knights. He finished the season with 41 catches for 550 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games.
