Southern Miss defensive back Marcus “MJ” Daniels Jr killed in shooting. What do we know?

With reports confirming that Southern Miss coach Will Hall and other USM officials were present at the scene alongside police and emergency responders, the sadness of the situation is made all the more real.

Southern Mississippi’s MJ Daniels killed in shooting

According to reports, Southern Miss defensive back MJ Daniels died Tuesday night following an off-campus shooting. It is understood that the 21-year-old was shot and killed at an apartment complex located in the 6300 block of U.S. 49, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The school itself released a statement on social media expressing “sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”

Related stories

2024 COLLEGE WORLD SERIES

The all-time winners of the College World Series

NCAA

“Road to Omaha” starts now!

It is understood that the shooting itself occurred around 9:00 p.m. after which Daniels’ body was transported to the medical examiner, however, aside from the location where the incident occurred, no further details have been given regarding what exactly happened. The university has also stated that counseling services will be made available to member of the football program as well others who are close to the institution.

Daniels, a senior who transferred from Ole Miss last season, was a starting cornerback for the Golden Eagles preparing for his second season with the program. Standing at 6-foot-2, he managed to log 29 tackles with four pass deflections and three interceptions in 2023. Though the large majority of his snaps were as a boundary corner last season, it was expected that he would take on the role of safety for the coming campaign. Originally from Lucedale, Mississippi, he was ranked as a four-star prospect in the Class of 2021.