Former Nazareth Academy footballer Ryan Keeler dies at 20

Former Nazareth Academy football player Ryan Keeler died Monday, UNLV said in a statement. he was 20 years old From Rutgers he moved to UNLV Keeler, a rebel defensive he was a lineman.

Keeler appeared in seven games last season as a redshirt freshman. He made his first start in a game against Air Force in October, recording seven tackles and one sack.

“I am devastated by the loss of a member of the Rebel family,” UNLV football head coach Barry Odom, who took over in December last year, said in a statement. But he stood out in front of the coaching staff as a great person, student and teammate.Our condolences and prayers are with Ryan’s family in mourning this tremendous loss. .”

Former UNLV defensive line coach Bojay Filimoetu tweeted, “Heartbroken for the loss of Ryan Keeler. I will forever cherish the time we spent together.My prayers are with your beautiful family and teammates.Ofa Lahi Atu @ryankeeler71 #FlyHigh47”

“Long live Ryan Keeler, passed away far too soon. I’m speechless now. I love my brother forever,” said fellow defensive lineman Adam Plant Jr. at Black Heart. wrote on Twitter with a pigeon emoji.

Keeler moved from Rutgers to UNLV in the 2022 offseason. Rutgers and Nazareth paid tribute to the former player on social media.

The Rutgers footballer tweeted: “We love you Ryan.

“No words needed. Our hearts are heavy. God bless the Keeler family. We love Ryan,” the high school football team posted.

Keeler majored in pre-business and was an Academic All-Mountain West winner with a 3.80 GPA.

No cause of death has been announced.

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