By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

A former George County High football standout is dead.
M.J. Daniels, who was a player on the University of Southern Mississippi football team, is dead after a late-night shooting in Hattiesburg Tuesday night.
Tate Rutland, public information officer with the Hattiesburg Police Department, said the shooting occurred at approximately 9 p.m. June 11 in the 6300 block of U.S. 49.
Forrest County Coroner Lisa Klem identified the deceased as Marcus ‘MJ’ Daniels Jr. His body is being sent to the state crime lab in Jackson for an autopsy.

“We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time,” a statement from the university said. “The University of Southern Mississippi Student Counseling Services has been made available to members of the Golden Eagle football program and individuals close to the university. Out of respect for the family and all impacted in this matter, the university and athletic department will have no further comment at this time.”
Daniels, who was 21 years old, was a starting defensive back for the Golden Eagles, where he had started 12 games this past year. 

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of MJ Daniels,” Southern Miss head football coach Will Hall said. “His smile was infectious and lit up the room. Please keep MJ’s loved ones and our Southern Miss family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
The George County High School alum spent the first two years of his college career at Ole Miss before transferring back closer to home. 

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the Daniels family,” Hattiesburg Police Department officials announced in a statement. “We are doing all that we can to locate the perpetrators to bring justice to the victim and his family.

“We are asking the community for their help and to come forward with any information pertaining to this tragic incident and the untimely death of Marcus Daniels.”

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call Hattiesburg police at (601) 545-4971 or Metro Crime Stoppers by dialing **Tips. Anonymous tips also can be submitted at www.p3tips.com.