Dexter Rentz Jr signed with Louisville Football in December 2019. He had been committed since June 2019. Rentz was a prized recruit who was set to come to Louisville this fall and begin a promising football career and academic journey. Sadly, it was cut short when Dexter Rentz was shot and killed last night, according to an article written by J.C. Carnahan and Chris Hays in the Orlando Sentinel.
On the field, he was a speedster. He played WR at Ocoee High School in Ocoee, FL which is near Orlando. He was a playmaker. Rentz used his blend of speed and quickness to get open. When he caught the ball, he was a threat to go to the house every time. He was a fearless player too as he made a lot of catches over the middle of the field. Rentz had a chance to follow Tutu Atwell and become a big play slot receiver for the Cards.
Louisville fans also got a glimpse of the kind of young man Dexter Rentz was when he committed to the Cards. He did so live on 939 The Ville’s “The Drive with Mark Ennis.” When he announced, he mentioned his mother, his father, his coaches, and God. You could tell that they were all important parts of his life. He was a well spoken and articulate young man; a young man who seemed to lean on family and faith.
Rentz mentioned in his interview that he wanted to become a better leader for his high school team. He mentioned that he wanted to help his teammates understand there is more to life than what happens on the gridiron. It was pretty obvious that Rentz understood football was a big part of his life, but that it was only a part of it and not the whole of it.
He was a good student as well. According to an article in written by Chris Hays in the Orlando Sentinel in May 2019, Rentz was on the honor roll with a 3.4 GPA during his junior year. It’s clear he understood the value of education and applied himself.
Sadly, the world was robbed of a promising life. Dexter Rentz would’ve been an excellent football player for Louisville. I have no doubt he would’ve become a fan favorite. He could’ve been someone that would’ve been beloved for not only his play on the field, but for the way he carried himself off of it; following in the footsteps of former players like Reggie Bonnafon, Teddy Bridgewater, and Lamar Jackson. No, Louisville fans didn’t get to chance to know him. We were robbed of that chance by a senseless act of gun violence. Another young and promising life gone too soon. Even though Dexter Rentz didn’t suit up for the Cards, I think it’s safe to say he will be a Cardinal Forever. CSZ would like to send out our condolences to all of Dexter Rentz’s family, coaches, and friends.
Below, you can read Louisville Head Coach Scott Satterfield’s statement about the passing of Dexter Rentz and also some of the coaching staff’s reactions.
Head Coach Scott Satterfield:
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dexter Rentz. He was a great young man who had a contagious personality, and was able to light up a room with his smile. He was a great kid to be around and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Rentz family during this extremely difficult time.”
💔This young soul was taken from of us to soon. Dex was full of life and always had a smile on his face. From the first time we talked on the phone I felt his contagious energy. I pray for his family and all that new him. Rest easy Dex. 😓#LLD2 pic.twitter.com/UvH1gjeIlp
— ShaDon Brown (@Backendcoach12) April 26, 2020
.@DexterRentz @UofLFootball @chris_morgan37 @ULFBRecruiting @jdemling To live life to the fullest & to have it end so suddenly puts family into perspective. Dex will always be a member of the Cardinal family & a Freak4Life. He remains a light in dark times. ❤️ u Dex -FreakFreak pic.twitter.com/tpZ1nolCD9
— Gunter Brewer (@GunterBrewer) April 26, 2020
Heartbreaking news this morning. Thoughts and prayers to the Rentz family. 🙏🏼 @DexterRentz https://t.co/FF64Nb8Yij
— Dwayne Ledford (@Coach_Ledford) April 26, 2020
