Texas coach Steve Sarkisian responds to death of former Longhorn Jaden Hullaby

The Texas football program released a statement on Monday from head coach Steve Sarkisian following the passing of former Longhorns running back Jaden Hullaby. Hullaby’s younger brother, Landon, was first to share the tragic news of his death on Monday morning after the family reported him missing on Sunday. The family last heard from Hullaby on Thursday and he was last seen on Friday.

Sarkisian coached Hullaby for one season prior to his transfer to New Mexico.

“It’s such devastating and tragic news to hear of Jaden’s passing,” Sarkisian wrote. “He was a great person and someone we all enjoyed being around, coaching and spending time with. All of our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates, and we want to send out deepest condolences to them in such a difficult time.”

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the loved ones of Jaden Hullaby. pic.twitter.com/oK12r74e2l

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) May 22, 2023

Details of the Texas transfer’s death are not yet public. Landon Hullaby, now a second-year defensive back at Texas Tech, shared: “Forever living through you big brudda I love you so much and I got you and the family forever I swear get your rest King LLJAY”

Texas running backs coach Tashard Choice responded to Landon’s post with a heartbroken emoji and prayer hands as well on Monday morning.

On Sunday, Hullaby’s family filed a missing persons report with the police. He was reportedly last seen in Dallas on Friday heading westbound on I-30 at 6:23 p.m.

Family reports Jaden Hullaby missing on Sunday after losing contact

“Y’all we need prayers our way,” Hullaby’s uncle said via Twitter. “I need y’all help this is my nephew. He has been missing. They live in Dallas and Arlington, Texas area. My brother hasn’t heard from him since Thursday and the lil brother hasn’t heard from him either. And that’s where the problem is.”

Hullaby, a Texas native, attended Mansfield Timberview high school where he was a three-star prospect in the 2020 recruiting class. He was the No. 586 ranked overall player and No. 56 running back in the nation according to On3’s Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Hullaby signed with Texas in 2020 and converted from running back to linebacker during his tenure in Austin. He appeared in the Longhorns’ final two games of the 2020 season his freshman year primarily on special teams. Hullaby recorded one tackle in the Valero Alamo Bowl versus Colorado.

He did not play in his redshirt freshman season in 2021, which was followed by him entering the transfer portal in April of 2022. Hullaby was converted to tight end at New Mexico. He recorded two catches for 44 yards in the 2022 season along with 13 carries for 59 yards on the ground.

After his lone season with New Mexico State, Hullaby entered the transfer portal in December following the 2022 season. Hullaby had not signed or committed to a program prior to being reported as missing.

On3’s Kaiden Smith contributed to this report.