Mario Danelo found dead
Junior place kicker Mario Danelo was found dead on Saturday afternoon.
His body was discovered at the bottom of White Point Cliff in San Pedro, California. The authorities have not released any other details on Danelo's death.
Advertisement
Danelo had an amazing 2005, setting the NCAA record for PATs with 83 and kicking 11-straight field goals.
In 2006 Danelo was extremely accurate, hitting on 16 of 17 field goals.
Danelo is a former walk-on that earned a scholarship and has been the regular place kicker for the past two seasons.
According to the Associated Press, USC Sports Information Director Tim Tessalone said: "We were stunned to hear about this tragedy. This is a great loss. Mario was a wonderful young man of high character.
"He was one heck of a kicker. He was a key ingredient in our success the past two years. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Trojan family go out to the Danelo family on this sad, sad day."
His father Joe Danelo played at Washington State before going to the NFL. He played for the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Buffalo Bills from 1972-1984.