Ohio State Defensive Coordinator Kerry Coombs Gives Update On Defensive Tackle Haskell Garrett’s Recovery

Although he suffered a gunshot wound to the face last month, Ohio State senior defensive tackle Haskell Garrett is on the road to recovery and might be able to play for the Buckeyes this season.

This according to Ohio State defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs, who met virtually with the media on Tuesday evening.

“I think he’s probably not as far away as any of us would have thought when you get shot in the face,” Coombs said. “I would have thought season over, career over, and I don’t think that’s true.”

Garrett was shot while allegedly breaking up an altercation between a man and a woman he did not know in the early morning hours of Aug. 30. He was found at a nearby apartment by police responding to the shooting, transported to the Wexner Medical Center for treatment and was released the following day.

Garrett’s family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover his extensive medical bills, which includes “extensive surgery and dental implants, as his teeth and tongue were severely damaged due to the bullet wound impact.”

According to the family, the GoFundMe campaign has been vetted by Ohio State’s compliance department and is in accordance with NCAA rules. So far, it has raised more than $24,000 toward its goal of $100,000, though any donated funds exceeding the cost of medical expenses will be given to charity.

Garrett, a former four-star prospect from Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, has recorded 20 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one pass breakup in 33 games at Ohio State. He was expected to compete for a starting spot this fall following the departures of Davon Hamilton and Jashon Cornell, so fifth-year senior Antwuan Jackson, junior Jerron Cage and sophomore Taron Vincent will have to step up if he’s unable to play. 

For four free issues of the biweekly print edition of Buckeye Sports Bulletin, sign up at the link below. No credit card required: http://www.buckeyesports.com/subscribe-4issue-trial/