An Auburn University freshman football player, Jakell Mitchell, 18, was shot and killed at an off-campus apartment complex early Sunday morning, CBS News reports.
So far police have no leads nor suspects, according to AL.com.
University spokesman Mike Clardy confirmed Mitchell’s death to WHNT in Huntsville saying: “The thoughts and prayers of all of us at Auburn University are with his family during this difficult time.”
Mitchell who is listed at 6 feet, 4 inches and 215 pounds was expected to compete for a starting spot as an H-Back and tight end next season. Coaches spoke highly of Mitchell who had been sitting out his freshman season to gain weight.
“He’s a guy we identified when he was a junior in high school,” head coach Gus Malzahn told the Tigers’ website. “He can block, he can catch, he’s got a little bit of running back skills. He played a bit of wildcat when he was a junior and then hurt his knee. We feel the sky is the limit for this guy.”
The shooting, which occurred early Sunday morning, took place at the same apartment complex where three Auburn football players were killed in a shooting in 2012.
In June 2012, Desmonte Leonard shot and killed ex-Auburn football players Ed Christian, Ladarious Phillips and Demario Pitts of Opelika, Alabama.
Authorities say their deaths are not in connection with Auburn’s football program.
Mitchell had such a bright future. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. – ruu hawkins
