Former Washburn University cornerback Corey Ballentine went through a harrowing experience shortly after being drafted into the NFL by the New York Giants, as he and his former Huskies teammate, Dwane Simmons, were shot.

Ballentine was injured, but Simmons was killed.

What was supposed to be the best moment of Ballentine's life was tainted instantly and forever, and now, the 23-year-old will have to live that for the rest of his days.

The Giants are fully supportive of Ballentine, with defensive coordinator James Bettcher raving about the defensive back.

“It makes you emotional thinking about it because that is not a good kid, that’s a great kid,” said Bettcher, according to Pat Leonard of The New York Daily News.

Defensive backs coach Everett Withers sympathizes with Ballentine and said that the Giants are doing whatever they can to help him through this ordeal.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)

“For something like that to happen to a young man on one of the most exciting days of his life and to have his best friend killed, that’s got to be a lot,” Withers said. “The organization has done a really good job of helping him through the process. It’s gonna be a process for him. But we’re excited about getting him. When you watch him on tape, you don’t see a Division II player. You see a talented football player that can run, jump, cover.”

Ballentine, a Jamaican native, was selected by New York in the sixth round (180th pick overall) of the NFL Draft late last month.