High school football star who was set to play for elite college team dies at Georgia boarding school

A high school football player that committed to play at the University of Georgia has died at a private Georgia boarding school.

Marcellus Young-Casario, who had committed to the Bulldogs in June, passed away on Friday morning at the Rabun Gap School, according to multiple reports.

The school did not name Young-Casario in a statement, but said a student had passed due to a ‘medical incident’ that required transport to the hospital.

‘It is with a heavy heart that I report the death of an upper school boarding student,’ said Head of School Bob Ahrens. 

‘Our community is heartbroken, and our prayers are with the student’s family, friends, classmates and all who are grieving. 

‘Out of respect for this student and their family, we will not be able to release additional details at this time.’

Young-Casario’s death was first reported by Jeremy Johnson of UGASports.com.

The defensive lineman began attending the school – located in Northeast Georgia – beginning this year.

Young-Casario committed to Georgia and head coach Kirby Smart in June, telling Dawg Post he was looking forward to playing for the school.

‘Coach (Trey) Scott said he loves the way I play and that my size is unteachable,’ Young-Casario told Dawg Post’s Matt DeBary at the time.

‘He said someone with my size shouldn’t be able to move like how I do. He said he sees me as a threat in a wide technique – pretty much anywhere on the line.’

He added: ‘Since I was a kid it was my dream to play SEC ball, and Georgia is at the top of the SEC consistently. It truly felt like a blessing to have this opportunity.’

Young-Casario grew up in Canada before moving to Georgia to pursue his college football dreams. 

After his passing, multiple teammates and former teammates offered their condolences and posted their reactions.

Oklahoma commit Jay Schell posted: ‘This morning I lost my brother unexpectedly. I am at a loss for words. He was such a great teammate and friend to me. He had such a bright future ahead of him at UGA.’

‘I know for a fact he is with the Lord today. It’s so eye opening for someone to be with you one second and gone the next.’

Rabun Gap teammate Royce Djouguem wrote: ‘Words can’t even explain how we feel about you Mar. You were a light in our community and a true kind hearted person.’ 

‘My heart aches over you and all we can do is (honor) you and carry your name with us throughout the trials and tribulations of life gods plan is bigger than all of this and I know you’re watching over us in a better place big brother.’