AMHERST — The UMass football program is mourning the death of senior offensive lineman Michael Boland.

Boland, 23, who completed his playing career and his degree in the fall semester, was at home in Rockville, Maryland when he died Saturday. His cause of death hasn’t been determined.

His father, also named Michael, said in a statement that Boland was proud of being part of UMass’ foundation.

“Michael Jr. was a legend in DC sports as an All-Met football and basketball player. He scored 1000 more points than Roy Hibbert did at Georgetown Prep. Yet he was humble to the core,” his father said. “He wanted to help build UMass and feels the program will achieve great success if people are patient. Our great sadness is immeasurable but so has been the support of the school. Go UMass!”

The loss hit Minuteman coach Mark Whipple hard.

“He was a captain. He was a special, special kid. He was a real joy to be around,” Whipple said. “He never missed a practice. He never missed a meeting. He was very bright. He had everything going. He was an easy guy to coach. You didn’t have to worry about anything with him. Off the field he was a great role model for the young guys.”

Junior tight end Adam Breneman was a roommate and close friend.

“He was an all-around great guy, like a big teddy bear. He invited me to move in with him and I hadn’t even met him, but we hit it off right away,” said Breneman, who transferred from Penn State last year. “He was a great leader, a great teammate, always positive. Through our time together we became really good friends.

“He was a guy who told it like it was. He was a straight shooter who loved his family and his friends,” he continued. “We lost a close friend and a brother.”

Junior linebacker Shane Huber agreed.

“Mike’s heart was as big as he was,” Huber said. “He had a huge heart. He was an amazing kid and amazing friend, an amazing teammate. He was always there trying to make you smile, make you laugh. He’s been one of my best friends for four years. I spent more time with him than my family. He was a great kid, a brother to me.”

Breneman and Huber said the Minutemen would have him on their mind during the 2017 season.

“God has a bigger plan for him. I know Mike’s looking down on us, hopefully with a big smile telling us to stay strong,” Huber said. “He’s in our hearts. He won’t be forgotten. I know everything I do going forward will be dedicated to Mike. I’ll be dedicating my final year of football to Mike. It’s going to be really important to the team to keep 71 (Boland’s jersey number) in our hearts and on our minds.”

Breneman took a similar approach.

“When we’re on the field this season, we’ll be playing for 71,” Breneman said. “For what he meant to this team, we’ll be playing for him. ... He was a team guy. He didn’t want recognition. He just wanted to win. Nobody wanted to win more than he did.”

UMass players posted tributes on social media.

Fellow lineman Fabian Hoeller posted on Boland’s Facebook wall.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better friend who made the time so far away from home into a great time,” said Hoeller, a native of Germany. “Words can’t describe how I feel about you leaving. It’s like losing a part of me. You made me a better player and person everyday and you were the best person to share a room with before every game to get me ready to go. You were like a brother I never had. I love you and I will never forget you. RIP #71”

Former teammate Robert Kitching on Facebook:

“Lost one of my brothers this weekend. Big Mike, you was a great teammate and better friend who always kept it real no matter what and it’s tough to accept that you’re gone. Rest in peace Michael Boland, you will surely be missed.”

Quarterback Ross Comis posted a picture on Instagram of Boland with the following passage:

“The feeling is indescribable. I’m not sure if it will ever set in. It was an honor to be around you for these past three years. Thanks for always having my back Mikey B. You were an incredible dude with such a big heart. You will be missed by many. Rest In Peace 71.”

Jason Murphy, a former NFL player who’d been training Boland for a chance to play in the NFL, posted a tribute on Facebook:

“I’ve been training a kid for the NFL Combine that had so much promise and ability to play at the Next Level. I am sad to say he passed away Saturday. It was a day we was suppose to train but the gym was closed due to a space rental. He decided to work out by himself and took a nap and never woke back up....... Please People don’t take your time and the people you love for granted....... Life isn’t Promised. Praying for his family. Fly High Big Mike. Michael Boland.”

Several players marked their grief on Twitter.

Boland started six games as a true freshman under ex-coach Charley Molnar, After suffering a concussion, he left the program, but stayed in school during the 2013 season.

With no concussion symptoms and a new coaching staffing place, Boland returned in 2014 and was a regular on the line. He started the last 36 games at right guard and right tackle.

He wasn’t considered a likely NFL draft pick, but at 6-foot-6 and 317-pounds, he had the size to at least get looked at.

“He was a really good player,” Whipple said. “He certainly would have been invited to a camp.”

Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com.

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