Tennessee State LB in critical condition after emergency surgery for head injury

(STATS) - Tennessee State coach Rod Reed asked on Sunday for continued support and prayers for linebacker Christian Abercrombie, one day after the Tigers player underwent surgery for a serious head injury he suffered in a game at Vanderbilt.

Abercrombie was believed to be injured on a play during the second quarter and soon after collapsed on the sideline and was unresponsive. He was taken to Vanderbilt Medical Center, where he underwent surgery and was listed in critical condition.

Reed, appearing Sunday morning on the "The Rod Reed Show" on WNSR in Nashville, said he was part of a large contingent of people from both universities to visit with Abercrombie's family at the hospital Saturday night.

"It was well into the night that everybody was there," Reed said. "Again, I just ask for prayers for this kid and his family."

Abercrombie, an Atlanta native, is in his first season with Tennessee State as a transfer from Illinois.

In the crosstown game, Tennessee State fell to Vanderbilt 31-27.