NFL Draft pick Corey Ballentine shot and teammate Dwane Simmons killed in shooting near Washburn University

The shooting happened just hours before a scheduled school press conference to celebrate Ballentine’s selection by the New York Giants

Dwane Simmons (left) and Corey Ballentine (Washburn University)

A football player selected by the New York Giants in this week’s NFL Draft has been injured in an off-campus shooting which saw another player killed.

Junior defensive back Dwane Simmons died early Sunday morning near Washburn University in Kansas, while cornerback Corey Ballentine, picked in the sixth round on Saturday, sustained injuries which are not life-threatening.

The Giants organisation announced that it is aware of the shooting.

A spokesman added: "We have spoken to Corey and he is recovering in the hospital."

The shooting happened just hours before a scheduled school press conference to celebrate Ballentine’s selection.

That event has now been postponed.

Washburn head coach said he was heartbroken, and called Simmons “one of the most energetic and well-liked players I have ever coached.”

He said the player’s "infectious smile and love for football and his teammates was truly inspirational."

Washburn president Dr Jerry Farley sent a letter to the school community in which he said: "Any time we lose a student it is a sad occasion, but it is particularly poignant to lose a student through such a senseless act.

"This was a terrible way to end a day which should have been a celebration and a day to look forward to Dwane's upcoming year at Washburn and the beginning of Corey’s professional career."

Ballentine’s selection at 180th overall was the highest in Washburn history.