21-year-old college football star found dead
Authorities are still trying to determine the cause of death of a 21-year-old defensive lineman for Rice University.
Blain Padgett, a junior, was found dead in his apartment Friday morning.
Coaches reportedly contacted Padgett’s family, concerned about his well-being after he missed a morning workout.
The cause of death is unknown, but it appears he passed away in his sleep.
“Our team is devastated by this news,” Rice coach Mike Bloomgren said. “All of my thoughts right now are how best to help Blain’s family and his teammates in this very difficult period.”
“Our entire athletic department is in mourning over the loss of Blain Padgett,” added athletic director Joe Karlgaard, according to ESPN. “Blain was a great friend and teammate and the sense of loss is overwhelming to his teammates, his friends, but most importantly to his family, who are in our thoughts and prayers. We will do everything in our power to provide assistance to our student-athletes in this incredibly difficult time.”
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Padgett had 3.5 career sacks with the Owls while leading the defensive line with 41 tackles in 2016. He made the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll each of the past two seasons.
“Blain was a hard-working guy, the definition of loyal,” former Owls linebacker Emmanuel Ellerbee told the Houston Chronicle.
Padgett’s former coach at Rice, David Bailiff, recruited him out of Hardin-Jefferson High School in Sour Lake, Texas. He called the news of Padgett’s death stunning and saddening.
“I would want my sons to have his work ethic and approach to life,” Bailiff said. “When I got the call early this afternoon about his passing, it just stops you in your tracks. He was a remarkable young man, very bright future in football and very bright future as a Rice graduate.”
Padgett’s high school also issued a statement offering condolences on Twitter shortly after the news broke.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of Hawk Alum Blain Padgett,” the school tweeted. “Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and all that knew you. Our #7 truly knew what it meant to be a HAWK.”
After an injury-plagued sophomore season, Padgett was expected to play a key role on the Owls defense this year.
“Lord, you took a great, Young man and warrior home,” former linebackers coach Darrell Patterson tweeted of Padgett. “Blain you will be missed.”
Rice’s football team was scheduled to begin spring practices Monday.
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