Alabama State sophomore linebacker Awysum Harris has died, the team announced Sunday. A cause of death was not disclosed in the press release, though WHNT-TV reports Harris’ death stemmed from “natural causes.”
“Our team is really hurting right now. As a matter of fact, all of us are heartbroken by this loss,” Alabama State head coach Eddie Robinson said in a statement from the school. “(Sunday night), we prayed together and comforted one another. We will all continue to keep the Harris family in our thoughts and prayers.”
Harris came to the Alabama State program as part of the 2021 recruiting class. He did not see action during his freshman year last fall.
Harris signed with the program following a standout career at Decatur (Ala.) Austin High School, where he recorded 105 tackles during his senior season in 2020. His high school coach was also among those to issue a statement following Harris’ death.
“Awysum was an outstanding young man who made a great impact on Austin Football, Austin High School, and the Decatur community,” Austin High School head football coach Jeremy Perkins said in a statement obtained by WHNT-TV. “He was loved by all who knew him and will be truly missed. Although it is heartbreaking and tragic to lose such a great young man with so much potential, I was blessed tremendously by the time I got to spend with him at AHS. He will forever be an Austin Black Bear. Our thoughts and prayers are with Awysum’s mom Sharay and brother Asa along with the entire family.”
Alabama State is entering its first season under Robinson, who played at Alabama State several decades ago before spending 10 years in the NFL. Robinson takes over Donald Hill-Eley, who was with the program since 2017 before his firing in November of last year.
Alabama State kicks off its 2022 campaign Aug. 27 vs. Howard in Atlanta. The season notably features a non-conference game at UCLA Sept. 10.
