PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – In the fall of 2021, Number 74 made his mother proud at Maury High school with another of what he branded the Let’s Go tackle.

After graduation, Keith Anderson decided to enroll at Norfolk State University to stay close to home.

Last month, his mother, Mesha Anderson, thought it was academics as usual when she dropped off the 18-year-old kinesiology major. Norfolk Police said Thursday they are searching for him and that he was last seen at Norfolk State on February 4.

“Yesterday, his best friend in-boxed me and said it was not like him because they all grew up together,” Mesha Anderson who tried in vain to reach her son.

“I called back and I called back and I called back and no answer so I went up to Norfolk State,” Mesha Anderson said. “I got up with his (resident advisor) and they went into his room and all of his belongings were packed and moved out.”

It turns out, Anderson dropped out Jan. 27, according to his mother.

Mesha Anderson immediately contacted Norfolk police, who issued a missing person bulletin. Anderson is 6-foot-1 and weighs 300 pounds. A police department news release stated detectives are concerned for Anderson’s safety.

She said he had not indicated that anything was wrong with his life, but his friends noticed.

“He did not indicate that to me,” she said, “but his friends – about three of his friends – texted me that he was severely depressed and they said he was going through some things.”

The Norfolk mother prays her son will see her message.

“Keith, it’s mommy – whatever is going on, we will fix it,” she said. “This is not like you son; just let someone know, someone in your life know, that you’re OK. Have them reach out to me; we love you and please come home.”

Mesha Anderson said she received a text message Friday morning from her son’s ex-girlfriend. She reportedly saw him on the Tide light rail system early last Sunday morning in downtown Norfolk.

The school confirmed he is no longer a student at the school and said it is concerned about his welfare.

“Norfolk State University is concerned about the welfare of our past and current students,” according to a statement from the school. “Mr. Keith Anderson, recently reported missing, was an NSU student in the fall 2022 semester but is not currently enrolled for the spring 2023 semester.”

Police say if have any information call 9-1-1, the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, or use the P-3 tips app.