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Jones passed away on Monday. (Eric Schultz)

The state of Alabama lost one of its top football players on Monday.

Julian Jones, a standout defensive end from Hazel Green High School, passed away this morning, Madison County coroner Craig Whisenant confirmed to AL.com. The coroner said suicide is the cause of death, with an autopsy expected to be performed on Tuesday. Jones, 16, is the son of former NFL tight end and Alabama A&M coach Anthony Jones.

RELATED: Emotional scene at candelight vigil for Julian Jones

Jones' tragic death robs the Hazel Green community and the state of Alabama of one of its top young football players. Josh Duncan, the minister of students at First Baptist Church, has organized a place for grieving students and Hazel Green residents to go.

Hazel Green coach Matt Putnam didn't respond to an AL.com request for comment, but tweeted his condolences Monday evening.

The entire TrojanFamily is devastated by the loss of Julian. Our love, thoughts & prayers go out to his entire family. He will be missed. — Coach Putnam (@MattPutnam1) October 7, 2014

On paper, he had so much going right for him. He was a big, powerful defensive lineman at 6-foot-5, 230-pounds. He played tight end too, just like his father. He already had scholarship offers from Mississippi State and South Carolina, and Auburn had already expressed interest.

In May, Putnam raved about Jones to an AL.com reporter.

"He grew up in football," Putnam said. "He understands the game really well. He's athletic, big and long. He's 6-5, 6-6. He loves the game; he's a good leader. He'll be a junior next year and he's already taken over pretty big leadership role on the team. He's the kind of kid you wish they all were like."

Teammates and fellow Huntsville area football players tweeted Monday about their sadness and surprise at the loss of the likable young man.

I can't stop crying because he had so much going for him and he was such a great person.. I would do anything to have him back here with us. — Cole Guffey (@coleguffey2) October 7, 2014

Rip Julian....don't make sense — Kerryon Johnson (@AyeyoKEJO) October 6, 2014

Out of the thousands of football players in the state of Alabama, he was rated the 16th best junior, according to 247Composite rankings. Andrew Bone, who covers the state for Rivals.com, tweeted Jones was definitely one of the best players in the state.

He was athletic enough to play multiple different positions in college. Jones, who grew up around Buford, S.C., told Rivals in July that he was interested in returning to South Carolina to play college football.

Sadly, he will never get that opportunity.

NOTE: If you or anyone you know is contemplating suicide, please reach out to any of the following services:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Services of North Alabama 1-800-691-8426