FORT COLLINS - Caden Thomas will have quite a tale to tell his friends on the playground Monday.

The 4-year-old is recovering at home after surgery Saturday to stitch up a deep cut on his head.

Caden, playing on the sidelines at Saturday's Green and Gold game at Hughes Stadium, was hit when wide receiver George Hill caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Caleb Hanie. Hill's momentum carried him into Caden and the padded concrete stadium wall.

Caden's father, Mike, said Caden was among the throngs of kids playing on the sidelines as part of a kids' festival on the north concourse.

Caden initially was treated by CSU trainer Terry DeZeeuw and team doctor Sean Grey.

Neurological exams were normal, so the family opted to take Caden to the hospital on their own, Thomas said.

After a visit to the emergency room, Caden was taken to the operating room to be stitched up by a plastic surgeon.

"He will have a scar to rival Harry Potter," Thomas said.

Tests showed no skull fracture or other trauma beyond the cut on his head.

Caden was released from the hospital Saturday night, and his parents woke him up every hour to check for signs of concussion or other injuries.

Caden received a signed CSU football and got a call from coach Sonny Lubick on Sunday.

"We had a nice little talk, and he had a nice little talk with Caden," Thomas said.

"I imagine there were 3,000 to 4,000 people there who want to know how he is doing," Thomas said.