Updated

A lightning strike near Georgia Southern's football practice field Wednesday sent a player to a local hospital, where he was later released, the university said.

Georgia Southern did not release the name of the player, who suffered the effects of the strike after it hit a tree. He was taken to East Georgia Regional Medical Center.

Coach Jeff Monken told the Savannah Morning News the player returned to GSU's practice, which was moved indoors to the school's Recreation Athletic Center, but he was not a participant.

Georgia Southern is preparing for its season opener Aug. 31 against Savannah State. The Eagles will be playing their final season on the FCS level before joining Conference USA on the FBS level next year.