Ohio funeral held for ND recruit

Published Apr. 10, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

A funeral has been held in Ohio for a 17-year-old Notre Dame football recruit who fell from a Florida hotel balcony during spring break.

An overflow crowd gathered Saturday at St. Xavier Church in downtown Cincinnati to remember high school student Matt James.

Police say the 6-foot-8, 290-pound offensive lineman was drunk when he fell over a fifth-floor railing in Panama City Beach, Fla., a week ago. His coaches and teammates say he should be remembered for his hard work and loyalty, not the way he died.

James attended St. Xavier High School, where a visitation for him was held Friday.

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly says he attended the visitation with tight end Kyle Rudolph, who knew James since fourth grade. He says James' family is going through a difficult time and needs support.

St. Xavier High's president called James a ``gentle giant'' and praised his leadership abilities on Friday. The Rev. Tim Howe, speaking as he struggled to keep his emotions under control, said: ``He would always have a kind word.''

Hundreds of mourners waited in line at the high school's chapel for hours to pay their respects to James on Friday.