DALLAS (AP) – Ty Jordan, a first-year star who ran back from the University of Utah who grew up in the Dallas area, died, school officials announced on Saturday.
Texas and Utah officials have not released details about the circumstances of Jordan’s death. A day earlier, the 19-year-old was named the Pac-12 rookie of the year.
“The words cannot express the devastation and headache our team is now experiencing as they learn of the tragic death of our teammate and brother, Ty Jordan,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said in a statement.
Jordan, a 1.75 meter, 200 pound fast player, emerged from a crowded Utah backfield to become the focal point of the team’s attack. He ended the season with 597 running yards, 11 receptions for 126 yards and six touchdowns.
Jordan emerged as a tailback playing in Mesquite, a Dallas suburb, and was a highly praised recruit. He made a perfect transition to the college game, including three consecutive 100-yard performances to close the season.
Utah was one of nearly two dozen major college football teams to refuse the opportunity to play a post-season bowling game, instead of allowing players who had been under strict COVID-19 protocols for months to start their seasons.