Ryan Keeler, former Nazareth Academy football star, dies at UNLV

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Ryan Keeler, former football standout at Nazareth Academy who now plays at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, has died, school officials said. 

Nazareth Academy posted about his death on its Twitter page. 

"We are devastated to have lost a member of our Rebel family," said first-year UNLV football head coach Barry Odom. 

"While I had the honor of knowing Ryan for only a couple of months, he already stood out to our coaching staff as an incredible person, student and teammate. Our condolences and prayers go out to Ryan's family as we grieve along with them over this tremendous loss."   

Keeler, 20, was a defensive lineman who had just completed his redshirt freshman season. He transferred from Rutgers University last season and went on to play in seven games for UNLV, totaling eight tackles.  

An Academic All-Mountain West honoree, Keeler held a 3.80 grade point average in pre-business.  

Users on Instagram left messages of condolences on Keeler's page.

CBS 2's Noel Brennan spoke to Keeler's old coach at Nazareth Academy Tim Racki who called the 6-foot-6 player a "gentle giant."

"He was a tremendous talent on this field," Racki said. "That was obvious for everyone to see. What you didn't see was how big his heart was off the field."

Racki said the student loved the "humble and modest young man."

Keeler lead the roadrunners to a state title in 2018.

Details about the cause of death have not been released, although Racki said he heard Keeler "passed away in his sleep."

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• College Football