Alabama Defensive Tackle Undergoes Surgery to Remove Blood Clot on Brain

Willie Ryles, an Alabama defensive tackle, was in a coma early today following surgery Monday night to relieve pressure from a blood clot on his brain.

During football practice at Tuscaloosa, Ryles, a 6-4, 240-pound sophomore from Phenix City, hit someone and rolled over, Alabama Coach Ray Perkins told the Birmingham Post-Herald.

A team doctor examined Ryles and immediately called for a helicopter, Perkins said.

Ryles was flown to University Hospitals, where he was in surgery about three hours, a hospital spokesman said.

Dr. Carter Morris, chief resident for neurosurgery, said blood vessels in the left side of Ryles’ brain ruptured and caused a blood clot. The player went into a coma and did not emerge, Morris said.

“I can’t say how he’ll do. In the next 48 hours, we’ll have more of an idea. We’re hoping he doesn’t get worse,” Morris said.

Perkins said: “Ryles’ roommate said he had been complaining of headaches the last couple of days, but he didn’t let anyone else know about it. Headaches are a symptom of this. It could have happened in Saturday’s scrimmage. I just don’t know.”

Ryles played in 11 games last season as a freshman.

He was named the winner of the Billy Neighbors Most Improved Lineman Award following spring practice and was listed as a starting defensive tackle along with Anthony Smith, another sophomore.