July 5, 2007

Daytona Beach, Fla. - Former Bethune-Cookman University football player Avery Atkins, a member of the program during the 2006 campaign, died on Thursday morning in Port Orange, Fla.

Prior to arriving at B-CU, Atkins spent one year at the University of Florida under head coach Urban Meyer in 2005. He played in six games while starting in three for the Gators. He appeared in three games for B-CU in the 2006 season before leaving the squad and withdrawing from classes in mid-season.

"I am saddened to learn that we have a fallen Wildcat," expressed Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed, President of Bethune-Cookman University. "Our prayers are with the family and all coaches, team members, faculty and staff who join me in mourning our great loss."

As a Wildcat, Atkins collected 10 tackles (eight solo) and two pass breakups. He had his biggest game against South Carolina State in the Low Country Classic in Charleston, S.C. where he registered five stops (four solo) against the Bulldogs.

"We are all heartbroken," said Lynn W. Thompson, Director of Athletics at B-CU. "I have known Avery and his family for many years, and while we share their pain ... we also offer our prayers for answers and strength during this ordeal."

Atkins was a defensive standout at Daytona Beach's Mainland High School for John Maronto and the Buccaneers program. During his senior season, he was named as a Florida Class 5-A All-State member, as well as being ranked as the 84th-best player in the nation by Rivals.com. He was chosen by the Orlando Sentinel as the Defensive Player of the Year in Florida, while ranked as the fourth-best cornerback nationally by StudentSports.com Hot 100.

"Bethune-Cookman University as well as the football players, coaches and staff are saddened by this tragic turn of events," exclaimed Alvin B. Wyatt, Sr., head football coach at B-CU. "Our sympathy goes out to the family. While I did not have the opportunity to work with Avery towards receiving a degree at Bethune-Cookman University, the short time we did have the chance to work with him was one of the most satisfying relationships that a player/coach can establish. I know that his family was very supportive of him, and they also supported his decision to attend Bethune-Cookman University. Once again, our condolences go out to the family."