Former Louisiana Tech star, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson dead at age 26

RUSTON, La. – The news broke early Wednesday morning.

The NCAA’s all-time career sacks leader Jaylon Ferguson was gone at age 26.

The news came from the Baltimore Ravens camp, where the Former Louisiana Tech Bulldogs star was set to begin his fourth year with the organization. No additional details on Ferguson’s death have been released.

“We are profoundly saddened by the tragic passing of Jaylon Ferguson,” the team said in a statement. “He was a kind, respectful young man with a big smile and infectious personality. We express our heartfelt condolences to Jaylon’s family and friends as we mourn a life lost much too soon.”

The St. Francisville, La., native and former prep star at West Feliciana High School spent five years in a Louisiana Tech uniform where he became one of the all-time greats in Bulldogs history.

“It’s a somber day around our athletic department and community,” said current Tech VP and Director of Athletics Eric Wood. “Those who were privileged enough to truly know Jaylon have nothing but wonderful things to say about the young man. His records and honors prove he was one of the best to ever wear a Bulldog uniform. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family as well as the Baltimore Ravens organization.”

Ferguson earned multiple All-American honors during his career in Ruston, including Football Writers Association of American (FWAA) Freshman All-American honors in 2016 and AP, FWAA, Walter Camp and Sporting News All-American honors in 2018. He was a finalist for the 2018 Ted Hendricks Award and a semifinalist for the 2018 Chuck Bednarik Award.

“The Louisiana Tech Football Family is saddened to hear the news of Jaylon Ferguson’s passing,” said new Bulldog coach Sonny Cumbie. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this time.”

The four-time all-Conference USA selection was named the 2018 Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year after totaling a program record 17.5 sacks during the season. He ended his Bulldog career as the NCAA’s all-time leader in sacks with 45.0 earning the nickname “Sack Daddy.”

He totaled 187 career tackles, including 65 career tackles for loss.

Ferguson was selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Ravens.