Rajaan Bennett, one of Vanderbilt's top football recruits for 2010, was shot to death by his mother's ex-boyfriend, according to police in Georgia. Bennett was the apparent victim of a murder-suicide after an incident at his home involving his mother's ex-boyfriend Clifton Steager.

Police were called to the scene in Powder Springs, Ga., and heard shots fired. An official said inside the home were the bodies of Steager and Bennett. Bennett's uncle, Taiwan Hunter, was wounded and underwent surgery. He was in serious condition Thursday afternoon. It was not clear what prompted the shooting.

Bennett was ranked 246th best prospect by Rivals.com's after rushing for 1,857 yards and 28 touchdowns for McEachern High School. He was the first member of the Rivals250 to ever sign with Vanderbilt. Bennett also had offers from Tennessee, Louisville, Wisconsin and Kentucky.

"All of us at Vanderbilt are devastated by news of Rajaan's death. This is just so tragic to everybody that knew and loved Rajaan," Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson said on Thursday. "Initially, our thoughts and prayers are with his mother Narjaketha and family members. I know he meant so much to them. "Rajaan was an extraordinary young man and an ideal fit for Vanderbilt University. As we got to know Rajaan, it became very clear to our coaches that he was a better person than he was an athlete. He was a leader, a young man who gained the respect of the entire community at McEachern High School."

The news was difficult for the McEachern community, including football coach Kyle Hockman, who described Bennett as "one of the best ever."

Athletics director Jimmy Dorsey recalled his last encounter with Bennett on the day before the shooting.