'He lived and breathed it': NCAA football prospect from N.S. has died

A Nova Scotian who was set to play football at an American powerhouse college is being remembered for his exceptional talent and desire to get better on the field, but his happy-go-lucky and teddy-bear nature off it.

Marcellus Young Casario, 18, a Grade 12 student at a Georgia prep school, died Friday after a medical emergency. His father, Devin Casario, said his son hadn't been feeling well lately and had been experiencing some heart issues.

The six-foot-six, 275-pound defensive end who grew up in Halifax was set to graduate high school next month and begin attending the University of Georgia in January, a school that has produced many NFL stars.

"He lived and breathed it, and his work ethic was incredible," said Devin Casario. "He had [a] relentless motor and he was very, very coachable."

Former coaches say that while Casario's size, speed and strength were exceptional, his desire to get better is what made him stand out.

Marcellus Young Casario is shown in a photo from his time playing with Rabun Gap in Georgia. (Submitted by Devin Casario)

Chanuen Flint, a former coach and family friend, said that even at the age of six when Casario started playing football, his passion was evident.

"You just knew right away when he showed up on the field, he was all business. [He] had fun doing it, but he was there to play football," said Flint.

Colby Smith helped coach Casario when he played mites football, for kids who are seven and eight. He remembers the team playing in a halftime scrimmage at a Saint Mary's University football game. The children formed a tunnel to give the giant university players high-fives as they came out onto the field.

"I think from that very moment he knew where he wanted to be when he got older … I can