A promising defensive end from Rice University has passed away, according to the school's athletic department.

Blain Padgett, 21, failed to show up for the team's workout and was found dead in his Houston, Texas, apartment on Friday.

'Our team is devastated by this news,' said school coach Mike Bloomgren in a statement.

Blain Padgett, 21, was found dead at his apartment near Rice University on Friday

The school's defensive end had failed to show up for the team's workout. His cause of death is unknown

'All of my thoughts right now are how best to help Blain's family and his teammates in this very difficult period.'

He led the defensive line in tackles during the 2016 season with 41 total but failed to start in many games in the 2017 season because of injuries

The junior's cause of death is not immediately known.

'Blain was a great friend and teammate and the sense of loss is overwhelming to his teammates, his friends, but most importantly to his family, who are in our thoughts and prayers,' Karlgaard added in a statement to CBS News.

'We will do everything in our power to provide assistance to our student-athletes in this incredibly difficult time.'

He was 6ft 5in and weighed 250lbs.

He led the defensive line in tackles during the 2016 season with 41 total.

Last year, he only started in three games because of injury.

He was expected to do well during the 2018 season.

The team will begin spring drills on Monday after coming off a season of one win and 11 losses.