Georgia Tech rising-senior defensive tackle Brandon Adams died at the age of 21. A young man possessed of an easy smile and a humble manner, Adams died Saturday night in Atlanta, just three days before the start of the Yellow Jackets football team's spring practice.
The cause of death was not immediately known.
Adams, from Brentwood, Tenn., was expected to play a significant role on the team next season. He played in 33 games over his first three seasons and had his best season in 2018, with 24 tackles, five tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. He was a business administration major. One of the biggest members of the team, he answered to "Big B."
"Our entire Georgia Tech football family is heartbroken by the news of Brandon's passing," Tech coach Geoff Collins said in a statement. "In the short time that I have had the privilege and honor of knowing Brandon, I admired and respected him, first and foremost as a terrific human being, but also as an outstanding teammate and leader. Jennifer and I offer our thoughts, prayers and unconditional support to his parents, Lisa and Reginald, his sister, Rian, and all of his family and friends, particularly his brothers in our football program."
Former Tech coach Paul Johnson offered his thoughts in a tweet: "Susan and I were crushed when we learned about Brandon Adams this morning. He was without a doubt one of the finest people that I've had the opportunity to know. He was a talented young man and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and teammates."
Adams is survived by his mother, Lisa Greer, his stepfather, Reginald Woods, and sister, Rian.
Memorial information was not available immediately.
