Brent Venables entered the room with teary eyes and a somber demeanor. As OU's defensive coordinator, he had more interactions than most with junior linebacker Austin Box, who died Thursday.

"It's with great regret that we're here tonight under the circumstances," Venables started. "It's a devastating day for the Oklahoma family and the Box family.

"Just know that a young man was tragically taken from us today."

Box was found unresponsive in a house in El Reno, where he had stayed with the son of his high school football coach from Enid. He was airlifted to Mercy Health Center in Oklahoma City, where he was pronounced dead. The friend said he believed Box had overdosed, according to the El Reno police report, and said in the 911 call that Box had taken pain pills. The police report also stated prescription drugs had been found at the house.

"Our deepest sorrows, sympathy, love, thoughts and prayers go out to the Box family and friends," Venables said. "We've lost a great teammate and a great friend."

Venables paused often, regaining composure. His eyes were red, and he spent much of the press conference staring at the floor.

"It's every parents' worst nightmare to get that call," he said. "Everybody on our team loved him. He will be greatly missed. Our focus and concern is to be with the Box family at this time and give them the support that they need."

Venables said being an OU football player had been a lifelong dream for Box.

"He was living the dream. We all have dreams, all have goals," he said. "For a lot of us, it never happens — we don't get to live those dreams. He was living his dream as an Oklahoma Sooner. He appreciated it, he respected it, he wore it on his sleeve. He was one of the most selfless guys I've ever been around and a great leader for us."

Box spent the first half of last season recovering from a back injury.

"You want to talk about adversity — he faced a lot," Venables said. "It was never an option not to fight his way out of it and put himself back in a position to contribute. That meant a lot to him to not let his teammates down."

Box started the last five games of the season, helping the Sooners clinch a Big 12 title and win the Fiesta Bowl.

"He's had a profound impact and has been a huge part of the success we've had as a team. He stands for everything that's right about this program," Venables said. "He was instrumental in the turnaround that we had to finish the way we did. Without him, I'm not sure we would have finished the same way."

Even though he earned a degree in sociology May 13, Box planned to return in the fall with his final year of eligibility and was pegged as the starting middle linebacker on the final spring-practice depth chart.

"He's such a big part of what we do — of this family," Venables said. "To not have him here leaves a real empty feeling. It's really, really hard."

When asked what the first game — against Tulsa on Sept. 3 in Norman — will be like without Box, Venables paused for a full eight seconds before responding with a simple, "I don't know."

LINKS:
• El Reno police report
• 911 call

Statements from OU officials, the Box family

"The university family is deeply saddened by the tragic death of student-athlete Austin Box. Our hearts go out to his family and friends." — OU President David Boren

"Austin Box will be greatly missed by his many friends and teammates in the (OU) athletics department and all across campus. Grief counseling is being made available to members of the team and his close friends." — OU athletic director Joe Castiglione

"We're all shocked and heartbroken. Austin was a great young man — a great young man to coach and a great teammate. He played an integral part in our success the last three years and was looking forward to a big senior year. As heart-wrenching as this is for us, we know it's even more difficult for his family. More than anything, our thoughts and prayers are with them." — OU football coach Bob Stoops

"The Box family wishes to express their appreciation for the outpouring of sympathy from across the state. We particularly want to thank the University of Oklahoma, the coaching staff and players for their kindness and support. Austin loved everything about Oklahoma — the people, his hometown of Enid and his many close friends. Most of all, Austin loved his family, and we loved him. We invite you to join us in celebrating his life." — The Box family, in a statement released by Mercy Health Center