Liberty University is in mourning following the tragic death of Tajh Boyd, a 19-year-old freshman offensive lineman on the football team. The Christian university in Virginia announced on Sunday that Boyd had passed away, just weeks before the start of the football season on September 2. The cause of death has not been released.

In a statement, Liberty athletic director Ian McCaw and head football coach Jamey Chadwell expressed their grief and gratitude for Boyd's presence in the Liberty Athletics community. They said, "We thank God for bringing Tajh into our Liberty Athletics community and we will always remember him as a Flame. Tajh will be missed dearly." Boyd had joined the program in January and had quickly made an impact.

The news of Boyd's passing also reached outside of Liberty University, with Conference USA expressing their condolences. In a statement, they said, "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of @LibertyFootball student-athlete Tajh Boyd. Our thoughts are with the Boyd family and Flames nation during this difficult time."

Boyd, who stood at 6-foot-4 and weighed 295 pounds, had an impressive high school football career at Oscar F. Smith High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. He helped lead the team to consecutive state championships and was highly sought after by college programs. Despite receiving 12 other scholarship offers, Boyd ultimately chose Liberty University.

Described as a three-star recruit, Boyd had aspirations beyond football. He was majoring in interdisciplinary studies at Liberty and had dreams of becoming a computer science engineer. He often cited his mother as his biggest inspiration, saying, "She raised me by herself with no help and she is the strongest person I know."

The news of Boyd's passing has left the Liberty University football program and community in shock and grief. The university has not released any further details about his death. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, they will undoubtedly carry Boyd's memory with them as they strive for success on the field.