FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. -- University of Alabama offensive lineman Aaron Douglas was found dead in northern Florida, the school's athletic director confirmed Thursday.
"It is with tremendous sadness that we received the news of the passing of Aaron Douglas," said Alabama Director of Athletics Mal Moore in a statement."Our prayers and sympathies are with the Douglas family at this tragic time."
The circumstances surrounding the 21-year-old's death were unclear. Douglas' death occurred in Fernandina Beach, about 35 miles from Jacksonville.
Douglas spent his freshman season at Tennessee, then transferred to a junior college in Arizona before signing with the Crimson Tide. The Maryville, Tenn., native was expected to compete for a starting tackle spot this season, and had two years of eligibility remaining.
"It is a tragedy anytime you lose someone close to you and even more so when it is a member of your family," said head coach Nick Saban in the statement. "Aaron was a part of our family and always will be a part of our family at Alabama. He was an outstanding young man and we were excited about what he had accomplished as a player and a person in the short time he was with us."
Douglas had struggled with off-the-field issues during his college career, and was arrested in December for DUI. The 6-foot-6, 290-pounder was reportedly sentenced in March to two days in jail and a year of probation after pleading guilty.
"RIP Aaron Douglas. Enjoyed what little time I spent with you and I know you will be watching over us," tweeted former Alabama and current Jets quarterback Greg McElroy.
Douglas was named a National Junior College Athletics Association All-American at Arizona Western College in 2010. He started 10 games at tackle for Tennessee as a redshirt freshman in 2009, and decided to transfer after head coach Lane Kiffin departed to USC.
Kiffin called Douglas a "great kid with a huge heart" on his Twitter account after learning of his former player's death.
