Slain University of Connecticut cornerback Jasper “Jazz” Howard was talented, yet humble, played football with swagger and heart and deeply loved his family.

Hundreds of mourners heard those words at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Miami about the 20-year-old former South Florida high school football standout who was fatally stabbed during an altercation on campus in Storrs, Conn., early on Oct 18. No one has been charged in his death.

“He was someone who had a tremendous heart, and for the people here in this community, and for the family, he was on track for greatness,” said Huskies coach Randy Edsall, his voice at times wavering. “He was going to graduate. He was going to have his degree. He was doing everything to make himself the best student, the best person and the best athlete that he could be.”

It was Edsall who called Howard’s mother to tell her of her first-born’s death and the coach identified Howard’s body.

“I can’t describe [my feelings] right now, but I’m going to make it,” Howard’s mother, JoAngila, said at the cemetery.”