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Former Eagle Running Back Critically Injured

By Quentin Gardner
Black College Wire

N.C. Central University's all-time leading rusher, Greg Pruitt Jr., remains in critical condition after being critically wounded at a home in Shaker Heights, Ohio on Sunday, Feb. 24.

Pruitt's condition was upgraded to "good" on Feb. 28, according to Ohio news reports.

Shaker Heights police said Pruitt was visiting a friend's house at 10 p.m. when he was shot in the head.

Three people were in the home at the time; however, Pruitt was the only one shot. The suspect fled the scene.

Acting Shaker Heights police chief Scott Lee said Pruitt was alert and responsive while being transported to the hospital.

Shaker Heights Councilman Brian Parker said five detectives are investigating the case.

Pruitt underwent surgery Monday morning at Huron Hospital.

Pruitt Jr., the son of former Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders running back Greg Pruitt, rushed for 3,008 yards at NCCU from 2004-2006.

The younger Pruitt. is the only player in school history to rush for over 1,000 yards in two consecutive seasons. He was also awarded the Aggie-Eagle Classic's Offensive Most Valuable Player Award in 2006.

In his final game at NCCU, Pruitt Jr. amassed 147 all-purpose yards against Elizabeth City State University en route to winning the CIAA Championship MVP award in 2006.

On May 4, Pruitt Jr. signed as a rookie free agent to the NFL's Baltimore Ravens.

Quentin Gardner writes for the Campus Echo, the North Carolina Central University student newspaper, which originally published a version of this article.

Posted March 1, 2008