TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida State linebacker Ethan Pritchard opened his eyes Sunday, a hopeful step in the player’s recovery after being shot two weeks ago.
FSU Head Coach Mike Norvell told reporters about the major step in Pritchard’s recovery during a news conference Monday ahead of the team’s game against Kent State.
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“Yesterday, he opened his eyes and it was emotional for everybody to be honest with you,” Norvell said. " There is still a long road to progress in this process moving forward. Puts this whole thing into perspective, and he is fighting."
Pritchard was dropping family members off at a home in Havana last month when he was shot in the back of the head.
Investigators say it was a case of mistaken identity.
Four people were arrested last week in connection to the shooting. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Jayden Bodison, Caron Miller and an unnamed minor were charged with three counts of attempted murder and one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle. Germany Atkins was charged with one count of probation violation.
Pritchard played football at Seminole High School in Sanford before joining FSU this year.
He remains in stable condition at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.