Alabama Lineman Aaron Douglas Found Dead

[Tridentdawgpound 1,043]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=6534274

 

Alabama offensive tackle Aaron Douglas was found dead in Fernandina Beach, Fla., early Thursday, multiple sources told ESPN.com.

 

Details surrounding Douglas' death were not immediately known. Alabama officials were waiting to hear from all authorities involved before releasing any information.

 

Douglas, 21, transferred to Alabama in January after spending last season at Arizona Western College and was competing for the starting left tackle job this spring. He started his career at Tennessee and was a freshman All-American offensive lineman for the Vols in 2009.

 

"He was a great kid and a great football player," Arizona Western College coach Tom Minnick said Thursday. "He was going to be the next NFL player from Arizona Western College. He played his butt off here. His athletic ability was unbelievable.

 

"There was a lot of pressure on him because the Tennessee fans had called him a traitor. It was putting pressure on him. Words had hurt him."

 

Following former Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin's departure for USC following the 2009 season, Douglas did not participate in spring practice once Derek Dooley took over and decided he wanted to get away from the Knoxville area.

 

After leaving Tennessee, Douglas admitted to suffering from depression. The 6-foot-7, 275-pound Douglas attended high school in nearby Maryville, Tenn. Both of his parents were athletes at Tennessee.

 

Kiffin said he was notified of Douglas' death by several current members of the Tennessee coaching staff.

 

"It is a tragedy. I heard the news this morning," Kiffin said. "He was a great kid with a huge heart. He will be truly missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to (his parents) David and Karla."

 

Chris Low covers the Southeastern Conference for ESPN.com. Information from ESPN reporter Joe Schad was included.

 

Always sad to see someone go so young

[KeVo 176]

It's sad to see a former Volunteer die so young. He showed promise for us as a freshman, and him leaving was justifiable.

 

It wasn't right to label the kid a traitor for leaving amidst our coaching carousel.

[Vin+ 3,121]

 

[KeVo 176]

That article was worded oh so wrong, and published at the wrong time.

Edited May 13, 2011 by KeVo