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Over the last 24 hours, Arkansas experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows within the realities of college football. Not only have these been felt by the team and coaches, but they are also shared by their families, friends, and fans across the nation.
There is nothing more sobering than a death, especially in youth. Times like this bring everything into perspective—there is nothing more precious in this world than life itself, and nothing else matters in the end.
Football is just a game after all, but one that has brought us all together.
The Hogs will win on Friday for you, Garrett. #WPS
This afternoon, it was reported that redshirt freshman Arkansas TE Garrett Uekman, 19, was found dead in his dorm.
The news came after the Hogs moved up to No. 3 in the AP and USA Today Coaches Poll after defeating unranked Mississippi State 44-17.
Uekman saw limited action on the field this year behind junior starting tight end Chris Gragg.
From ArkansasRazorbacks.com:
2011: Uekman appeared in nine games this season, missing only the Auburn and Vanderbilt contests.
2010: He worked with the Arkansas scout team while redshirting.
HIGH SCHOOL: Uekman committed to Arkansas early in the summer of 2009 and was regarded as one of the top prospects in the state. He was ranked as the No. 23 tight end in the nation and the No. 5 recruit in the state of Arkansas by Rivals.com. He was named to the Associated Press Arkansas Super Team as a senior. In 2009, he had 56 receptions for 600 yards and six touchdowns. As a junior, he was hampered by a deep thigh bruise throughout the season, but had 54 catches for five touchdowns. He was coached at Catholic by Ellis Register. Uekman also played basketball and was considered one of the top players in the state. He was also recruited by Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Louisville, Nebraska and Ole Miss.
PERSONAL: Born June 22, 1992, he is the son of Danny and Michelle Uekman. He is enrolled in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. In the fall of 2010, he was named to the Razorback Honor Roll for his work in the classroom.
Photo by Stephen B. Thornton, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
This is so heartbreaking.
(via burrowmeister)
