Matt James Death - Matt James Notre Dame DEAD

A star high school football player from Ohio who was recruited by Notre Dame died after falling from a hotel balcony while on spring break in Florida, a high school spokesman said.

Students at St. Xavier High School gathered on the football field Friday night to remember senior Matt James following reports of his death in Panama City Beach, Fla., spokesman Mark Motz said Saturday. James, 17, apparently died instantly after he fell from the third-floor balcony of the Days Inn Motel at around 6:30 p.m. Friday, police told WJHG-TV in Panama City.

James was a USA Today First Team All American. The 17 year old James stood 291 lbs at 6′6”, an offensive tackle from St Xavier in Cincinnati. He signed withNotre Dame on National Signing Day February 3, choosing the Irish over Ohio State. J

Luke Massa is the father of a fellow Xavier player who was entering Notre Dame with James. Massa tells the Cincinnati Enquirer that the James family were celebrating an uncle’s 50th birthday when they learned of James’ death.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.