Arizona senior OL found dead

Published: Aug 8, 2016 · 1:48 PM EDT

Arizona senior offensive lineman Zach Hemmila was found dead Monday morning, head coach Rich Rodriguez announced during his press conference.

University of Arizona athletic director Greg Byrne confirmed that Hemmila, 22, passed away in his sleep overnight and was found by his cousin the next morning. No further details have yet to be released.

The Wildcats players were informed of Hemmila’s passing during the end of Monday’s practice.

“The only thought on my mind right now is with Zach Hemmila’s family,” Rodriguez said, fighting back tears. “We lost a great young man. Everybody in our program is hurting.”

Rodriguez said he had spoken with Hemmila’s father, Joel, just before his press conference. He and his wife Linda had been visiting their son in recent days.

“As Coach said, he’s a great young man,” Byrne said. “We’re just so deeply saddened. Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, the team, his teammates, the coaches and everybody involved.”

Hemmila appeared in all 13 games and made six starts — five at left guard — for Arizona in 2015. The Wildcats o-line contributed to an offense that accounted for 4949 yards per game, including 222.3 rushing yards.

Jason Hall

Jason covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.