Arizona offensive lineman Zach Hemmila dies in sleep

Arizona Wildcats coach Rich Rodriguez announced Monday that offensive lineman Zach Hemmila died in his sleep sometime Sunday night or early Monday. The cause of death was not immediately known.

Rodriguez made the tearful announcement along with Arizona athletic director Greg Byrne, who said the school was notified of the death of the 22-year-old Hemmila on Monday morning.

“The only thought on my mind right now is with Zach Hemmila’s family,” Rodriguez said. “We lost a great, young man. Everybody in our program is hurting. I don’t know any of the details.”

Hemmila and Rodriguez had spoken just after a meeting Sunday night. The Chandler, Ariz. native played in all 13 games last season, including six starts at left guard, and was considered the favorite entering fall camp to win the starting center job.

The Wildcats practiced Monday morning, with players informed of Hemmila’s death at the conclusion of practice. Rodriguez said he had spoken with Hemmila’s father, Joel, and that grief counselors would be made available to players and coaches.

“As Coach said, he’s a great young man,” Byrne said. “We’re just so deeply saddened. Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, the team, his teammates, the coaches and everybody involved.”