Ida Baker senior beats ACL recovery odds, back on field in 6 months

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — An Ida Baker High School senior receiver returned to the football field after ACL reconstruction surgery.

Caelum Cragin tore his ACL last December during a seven-on-seven practice. Surgery followed in January, and doctors told him recovery would take around nine months.

"It was suspected to take around nine months, but it's been around six months," Cragin said.

Through physical therapy and hard work, Cragin cut his recovery timeline down significantly. He was eager to return for his final season with the Bulldogs.

"I was doing a lot of non-contact practices, but when we got back into the contact practices, I was told if I keep doing well and I'm feeling good, that I could probably come back faster," Cragin said.

In week three against IMG Junior Academy, Cragin made his return to the field. The senior receiver was back in his number 13 jersey doing what he'd been determined to do since the moment he got hurt.

"You got to keep going, even if you think it's over. It's not. You have to keep going, no matter what," Cragin said.

Cragin said he's looking forward to his return season and maybe even breaking the receiving yards and touchdown records. But after everything it took to get back on the field, his goals are simple.

"I hope I just have a lot of fun, and we get a lot of wins," Cragin said.

"I'm just very excited to be back. I've been just going to physical therapy, doing a lot of hard work," Cragin said.

Cragin will continue to wear a brace on his left knee as a precaution through the end of the season, but he feels strong and ready to contribute to the team.