Oklahoma linebacker Austin Box, a senior and probable starter this fall, died Thursday. (AP Photo)
Box, a senior and probable starter for the Sooners this fall, was
found unresponsive at a home in El Reno, Okla., on Thursday. He was
transported to a local hospital and later flown to Mercy Hospital in
Oklahoma City.According to the Tulsa paper, during an emergency call to 911, J.T. Cobble, the son of Box’s high school coach, Tom Cobble, told operators: “There’s a guy who stayed with me last night and he’s not responding to me. He takes pain pills and he’s not responding to me.”
Asked whether Box was breathing, J.T. Cobble said, “I don’t think so.”
In a statement released by the school, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, who is out of the country this week, expressed shock and sadness.
“We’re all shocked and heartbroken,” Stoops said. “Austin was a great young man, a great young man to coach and a great teammate. He played an integral part in our success the last three years and was looking forward to a big senior year.
“As heart-wrenching as this is for us, we know it’s even more difficult for his family. More than anything, our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
The family released a statement to the Tulsa World through a hospital spokesperson: “Austin loved everything about Oklahoma – the people, his hometown of Enid and his many close friends. Most of all, Austin loved his family and we loved him.”
Box, whom Rivals.com ranked as the top class of 2007 recruit from Oklahoma, started 11 games in three seasons with the Sooners. He missed the first half of last season with a back injury, but returned to the starting lineup mid-season. He was first on the OU depth chart at middle linebacker exiting the spring. According to The Oklahoman, Box, a rising senior, received his college degree last week.
In the spring, after being limited because of his back, he told The Oklahoman, he was ready for the 2011 season.
“Everything has gone great. I feel real good about my spring so far.”
Oklahoma linebacker Austin Box
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