DALLAS (AP) – Ty Jordan, a freshman returning to the University of Utah who grew up in the Dallas area, has died, school officials announced Saturday.
Authorities in Texas and Utah have not released details of the circumstances of Jordan’s death. A day earlier, the 19-year-old was named Pac-12 newcomer of the year.
“Words can’t express the devastation and pain our team is feeling right now upon learning of the tragic death of our teammate and brother, Ty Jordan,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. , in a statement.
Jordan, a fast 5-foot 7 and 200-pound player, emerged from a crowded playground in Utah to become the centerpiece of the team’s offense. He finished the season with 597 running yards, 11 catches for 126 yards and six touchdowns.
Jordan appeared as a rearguard playing in Mesquite, a suburb of Dallas, and was a well-known recruit. He made a perfect transition to college play, including three straight 100-yard touchdowns in a row to close out the season.
Utah was one of nearly two dozen major college football teams that turned down the opportunity to play a postseason bowl game, rather than allowing players wearing months of strict COVID-19 protocols to begin their offseason.