A freshman US football player has been shot and killed at an apartment complex near his campus in Alabama.Police responded to reports that shots had been fired at the Tiger Lodge apartment complex early on Sunday, where they found Auburn Tigers player Jakell Lenard Mitchell.

The 18-year-old was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Auburn Police Captain Will Matthews said an investigation was under way and no suspects were in custody.

The coach of his high school team, Brian Blackmon, was told of the news a few hours later and visited Mr Mitchell’s mother, Arlicia, USA Today reports.

“It’s a really sad place and a lot of hurt,” Mr Blackmon was quoted as saying.

“A lot of unanswered questions. I think any time you lose a kid that’s got such a bright future, it’s just unimaginable, the grief that you go through.”

Auburn University wrote on its Twitter page: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jakell’s family and friends. Auburn encourages those in need to contact the Division of Student Affairs.”

Jay Jacobs, athletics director at the university, also wrote: “The Auburn Family is grieving the loss of a teammate & friend Jakell Mitchell. We are praying for his family.”

Mitchell joined the Auburn Tigers this season after graduating from nearby Opelika High School.

It was expected he would be in contention for a starting place next season at H-Back and tight end.

Mitchell missed his senior year at Opelika because he was recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

As a junior in 2013, his record was 392 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns.