Rice University's football team Rice Owls has lost one its prominent players. 21-year-old Blain Padgett was found dead in his apartment on Friday. The reason behind his death is still unknown but may have possibly died in his sleep according to reports.
Deeply saddened by the loss of Hawk Alum Blain Padgett. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and all that knew you. Our #7 truly knew what it meant to be a HAWK.
— HJ High School (@HJHSHawks) March 3, 2018
As reported by Fox 26 Houston, Blain was not present in the morning training. His teammates found him dead in his room when they went to check.
"Our team is devastated by this news. All of my thoughts right now are how best to help Blain's family and his teammates in this very difficult period", Head coach Mike Bloomgren said.
A native of Sour Lakes, Texas, Blain was a star defensive end for the Rice Owls. 6'5" tall with 250 pounds, Blain completed his third season at Rice as a redshirt junior. A graduate of Hardin Jefferson High School, he had also been honored as a defensive MVP for the team.
He was a leading man in defensive line with 41 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss this sophomore year.
