Football fans knew James Wooden as number 79.

But to students and staff at Barnwell High School, he was much more than an offensive lineman.

"Most people said Big James was a gentle giant. He never used his size to hurt anybody. Except on the football field...that was different," said Henrietta Williams, James’ mother.

"James and I had numerous conversations in the past about what meant the most to him in life, number one: God, number two: his friends and family and number three: football," said Joey Still, head football coach at Barnwell High School.

Football player James Wooden collapsed Thursday after practice on this football field. Deputy Coroner Charles Dooley says he died two days later from heat stroke.

Principal Linda Zionkowski said James' presence still remains.

"It's been a very somber day, it's been a hard day but the students have coped well today, a lot of them came dressed in black. It's just a real supportive spirit," said Zionkowski.

And for James' mother, the pain is almost too much to bear.

"This is hard--so hard, there are no words--no words," said Williams.

But through this loss, Barnwell High School students and staff said they're keeping his spirit alive.

"We're dedicating the season to James. That's the way he would have wanted it, that's what the kids wanna do," said Still.

Something that will help everyone including James’ mother, remember the star athlete.

"That's my boy, 79 is my boy," said Williams.

Barnwell High School will hold a service for James Wednesday night.

Members from First Baptist Church of Barnwell will be there to counsel with students.