UNLV football player Ryan Keeler dies

UNLV defensive lineman Ryan Keeler died Monday in Las Vegas. He was 20.

The news release released by UNLV did not state the cause of death.

“We are devastated to lose a member of our Rebel family,” first-year football coach Barry Odom said in a release. “Although I only had the honor of knowing Ryan for a few months, he already stood out to our coaching staff as an incredible person, student and teammate. Our condolences and prayers to Ryan’s family as we mourn this tremendous loss with them.

Keeler, a 6-foot-6, 275-pound sophomore from Chicago, played in seven games last season and had eight tackles and one sack.

He transferred from Rutgers before the season as a redshirt freshman. He was a three-star recruit after attending Nazareth Academy in Chicago.

“The UNLV family today mourns the sudden loss of one of our own,” athletic director Erick Harper said. “Our hearts go out to all of Ryan’s family and friends, as well as his Rebel teammates.”

Keeler was an Academic All-Mountain West honoree with a 3.80 GPA in pre-business. Odom named him Rebel of the Week on February 12 during the team’s practice session.

Several current and former UNLV players posted condolences to Keeler’s family on their social media accounts.

“Words are hard to come by tonight as we mourn the sudden and tragic loss of UNLV student-athlete Ryan Keeler,” UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield said. “My sincere condolences go out to Ryan’s family, friends, loved ones and teammates at this very difficult time.

Review-Journal reporter Sam Gordon contributed to this story. Contact editor Andy Yamashita at [email protected]. Follow along @ANYamashita on Twitter.