College football player Bryce Stanfield dies at age 21 just two days after collapsing during practice and being placed on life support

College football player Bryce Stanfield, a defensive tackle at Furman, died Friday, two days after collapsing during a practice at age 21.

Furman President Elizabeth Davis said Stanfield died while “surrounded by his family and his Furman family.”

Stanfield suffered a medical emergency during a practice at Paladin Stadium on Wednesday and the school said he was taken to Greenville (S.C.) Memorial Hospital and placed on life support. Details about the emergency have not been released.

“We are extremely heartbroken by Bryce’s sudden passing and ask that everyone, first and foremost, keep his parents, Fred and Teri Stanfield and their family, in prayers on this day and in the days ahead,” said Furman coach Clay Hendrix . a statement.

“There are so many more people who are truly hurting – namely Bryce’s teammates, coaches and staff, classmates, friends and the entire Furman community and beyond.”

Davis said the health sciences junior from Acworth, Georgia, excelled both in the classroom and on the football field.

In fact, the university conferred Stanfield’s degree Friday morning in a ceremony before he graduated so he could die as a Furman graduate. Davis said Stanfield earned a bachelor’s degree and graduated magna cum laude.

“The university extends its sincere condolences to Bryce’s family and friends at this time of great loss,” Davis said in a letter to the Furman community. “The entire Furman community is deeply affected in times like these, and it is important that we offer each other support and seek help when we need it.

“We have been in contact with the football team and others who knew Bryce most to offer advice and support. We will share information about funeral and memorial services as appropriate.”

Stanfield played in 34 games over three seasons for the Paladins and had 49 tackles and 9.5 stops for losses, including seven sacks.