Former Bruin football player Marcus Cassel died in a one-car
accident Friday morning, UCLA announced. Cassel, who played
cornerback at UCLA from 2002 to 2005, was involved in an accident
in Santa Monica at approximately 5:15 a.m. Friday. Santa Monica
Fire Department emergency personnel took Cassel to the UCLA Medical
Center’s emergency room. Cassel died shortly after 9:30 a.m.
with his parents at his side. “This is a tragic loss for
Marcus’ family and our football program," coach Karl Dorrell said
to UCLABruins.com. "No words can express the sorrow we feel at his
passing. "Marcus was a terrific, young man who was one of the most
well-liked players in our program. He had a great smile and a
wonderful personality and he combined them with a determination to
be the best.” Cassel was on injured reserve for the
NFL’s Carolina Panthers. In the Bruins’ 2005 season, he
started all 12 games at left cornerback and made 59 tackles. He
also tied for the team lead with 10 passes broken up. In his final
two years with the UCLA program, Cassel started 19 games. "As a
senior last year, his leadership and performance was a key factor
in our success on the field,” Dorrell said to UCLABruins.com.
“He was still close to many of the players on this year’s
team and this news has been tough on them.” Cassel grew up in
Los Angeles and played for St. John Bosco High School in
Bellflower. "Our prayers are with Marcus and his family," Dorrell
said to UCLABruins.com.
MCGEE AWAY: UCLA freshman running back Jeremy
McGee went home Friday to be with his family after his mother,
Genell McGee, died due to a heart attack. Jeremy McGee had been in
Tempe, Ariz., in preparation for Saturday’s game against
Arizona State. Jeremy McGee switched from running back to
cornerback before the season started but moved back to running back
a few weeks into the season.