Rice DE Blain Padgett found dead in his apartment

Rice defensive end Blain Padgett was found dead in his apartment Friday after missing a morning workout, the program confirmed, according to Glynn A. Hill of the Houston Chronicle.

He was 21 years old. An official cause of death has yet to be determined.

"Our team is devastated by this news," Rice coach Mike Bloomgren said. "All of my thoughts right now are how best to help Blain's family and his teammates in this very difficult period."

Injuries limited Padgett this past season, but the pass-rusher had 5.5 sacks and 41 tackles in his sophomore campaign in 2016.