CLINTON, Miss. --- We are deeply saddened to report the death of Mississippi College football signee Eli Grow of Tullahoma, Tenn., who passed away on Saturday evening.

"This is a terrible tragedy," said head coach John Bland. "I don't know that we had a kid coming in that was more excited to be a part of this program than Eli. He was just here a couple weeks ago and could not wait to be a Choctaw. He will be truly missed, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."

"I'm deeply saddened, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family," said defensive line coach and Tennessee area recruiter Rod Smith. "Eli was a great kid and was excited to come excel on and off the field at MC. From our relationship that we built, I know he will be greatly missed."

"When something like this happens, it always makes you step back and have some perspective on life," said Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications David Nichols. "Even though Eli was never able to suit up on the field for MC, he will always be a Choctaw. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Grow's."

Eli was a quarterback from Tullahoma High School, where he was a team captain and named the team's "Hardest Working Player." He is the son of Tony and Cassy Grow.