University of Southern Mississippi defensive back Marcus “MJ” Daniels Jr. was killed in an off-campus shooting Tuesday night.
The 21-year-old man was shot and killed in an apartment in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. His body has been sent to the medical examiner, according to the Associated Press.
WDAM-TV reported Southern Miss head coach Will Hall and other USM officials were at the scene Tuesday night along with police and emergency personnel.
The Southern Miss University football program released a statement Wednesday mourning the young player's death.
“Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time,” the statement said.
The statement did not provide further details about Daniels' death, saying it was an “off-campus incident.”
The statement also said university counseling services will be available to members of the football program and those close to the university.
Daniels, a senior who transferred from Ole Miss, was the Golden Eagles' starting cornerback last season. In 2023, his only season with the team, he tied for team highs with 29 tackles and three interceptions in 12 games. According to the Hattiesburg American, Daniels is expected to move to safety for the 2024 season and be a starter again.
