Former Rams, UCF running back Otis Anderson killed in Florida shooting

Otis Anderson, former UCF Knights running back, was shot and killed on Monday night in North Jacksonville, Florida. Anderson’s mother Dennis was also shot and is now hospitalized.

Early reports allege that it was Otis Anderson’s father, Otis Lee Anderson, that shot both Otis and his mother.

The police reported that the shooting occurred around 9:30 p.m. Monday on the 5200 block of Johnson Lake Court in Jacksonville. A second man who was at the scene is in the custody of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators say they aren’t looking for other suspects and that everyone involved in the incident is related. Physicians pronounced Anderson dead at the hospital. He was 23 years old.

Otis Anderson was a member of the Los Angeles Rams practice squad during the preseason but didn’t make the cut for the regular season. He was a member of the 2021 NFL draft class.

While at UCF, Anderson ran for 2,182 yards and 26 total touchdowns. He also had 1,025 receiving yards over his four-year career. His career yardage ranks ninth in UCF history.

Growing up in Jacksonville, Anderson went to University Christian High School where he won two state championships.

Many are posting messages about Anderson on social media after the tragedy, including UCF AD Terry Mohajir and his former teammates.

Thank you Marc. My brief interaction with him was special – he cared very deeply for UCF. I’m hopeful that all who knew him can somehow find peace, especially his teammates. https://t.co/NnQEivTswG

— Terry Mohajir (@TerryMohajirAD) November 30, 2021

My heart hurts for Otis Anderson and the UCF community. One of my favorite Knights to watch. Gonna watch his highlights on repeat today pic.twitter.com/dAgtvJozXI

— Joe Broback (@joebroback) November 30, 2021