Rice Player Dies After Collapsing During Workout

HOUSTON (AP) -- A Rice University football player died today, a day after collapsing during a light workout.<br/><br/>Dale Lloyd, a 19-year-old freshman defensive back, collapsed on the field about yesterday

Monday, September 25th 2006, 3:15 pm

By: News On 6

HOUSTON (AP) -- A Rice University football player died today, a day after collapsing during a light workout.

Dale Lloyd, a 19-year-old freshman defensive back, collapsed on the field about yesterday but was conscious when taken to a hospital by ambulance. School officials say he died this morning.

An autopsy was pending.

Rice athletic director Chris Del Conte says -- quote -- "I just can't describe the pain we're feeling right now and the shock. It will take a long time to digest. The coaches are crushed. This is a tough time for all of us."

Lloyd played in Rice's season opener against Houston but didn't play in the last three games. The team was planning on redshirting him.

Del Conte says Lloyd collapsed as the team was doing some light running. While he didn't complain of anything specific, he told team trainers that he didn't feel right.

Coaches were meeting with the team this afternoon to talk about Lloyd's death, and grief counselors were available to meet with players and coaches.