Brian Kelly's top recruit, Matt James, tragically died one week shy of his 18th birthday
There is tragic news to report out of the Notre Dame camp. The Irish’s top offensive lineman recruit, Matt James, tragically died this past Friday in Panama City, Florida while on his high school spring break. Early reports indicate that James fell from a third-floor hotel balcony in the resort city. James was with fellow teammate Luke Massa (another Notre Dame recruit) and his high school classmates at the Days Inn Front Beach Road when the incident occurred around 6:25 p.m.
The 6’6 291 pound tackle from Cincinnati’s St. Xavier High School was heavily recruited by top programs and in the end he selected Brian Kelly’s Notre Dame over his home-state Buckeyes and powerhouses such as Alabama and LSU. Word of this incident spread quickly and as early as 1.am. on Saturday there were more than 2,500 members of a Facebook group called “RIP Matt James.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out his family, friends, and teammates during this tragic time.
