Francis Howell standout Jude James pledges to Missouri football

James helped the Vikings win their first state title last season

When he started to go through the recruiting process, Francis Howell standout Jude James thought he would be going away from home to play college football.

Instead, he’s staying close to home and hoping to be a part of something special.

James made his verbal commitment to the University of Missouri on Friday – just 11 days after announcing he received an offer from the Tigers.

“I think what really made up my mind was the official visit and getting to connect with the coaches and see what Mizzou was all about,” James said. “I think now was the right time to get it done.”

COMMITTED‼️🐯 #MIZ #HOME @CoachDrinkwitz @CoachErikLink @CoachDjSmith pic.twitter.com/E7t8KU80U5

— Jude James (@judejamesss) June 30, 2023

James picked the Tigers from among a sizable list of options.

After receiving offers from Miami-Ohio and Southeast Missouri State last summer, his recruiting picked up in late January. 

James added offers from Lindenwood, UNLV, Ball State, Eastern Michigan, Northern Iowa, Illinois State, Missouri State, Northern Illinois, Central Michigan, Colorado State, Army, Navy, Toledo, Wyoming, South Dakota State, Memphis and North Dakota State over the next five months.

At Mizzou, James will be reunited with several high school teammates: offensive linemen Drake Heismeyer and Xavier Machado, defensive lineman Jack Meyer and tight end Brett Norfleet.

James and Norfleet led Francis Howell to its first football state championship last season and they will be seeing a lot more of each other when James arrives in Columbia.

“I think it’s really awesome,” he said. “Brett’s one of my closest buddies.”

Jude James leaps for a touchdown reception against Lutheran North / Nate Latsch photo

A 6-foot-3, 215-pounder, James has played wide receiver and safety for the Vikings the past few years but is expected to play an H-back role for Missouri.

“I’ve always loved playing offense,” he said. “I love defense too. But I feel more comfortable as an offensive guy. … I really like the idea of playing offense at the next level.”

As a junior, James caught 27 passes for 584 yards – averaging 21.6 yards per reception – and six touchdowns. He added 19 yards rushing and a touchdown.

On defense, he recorded 119 tackles, four interceptions and one fumble recovery, which he returned 51 yards for a touchdown.

James could be leaned on for even more this fall following the graduation of Norfleet and leading rusher (and tackler) Brady Hultman. The Vikings return a strong and experienced group, including quarterback Adam Shipley and three starting offensive linemen, and could have the pieces in place to challenge for another state title.

“I’m definitely very excited about this team,” James said. “We’ve got a lot of guys back who were on that team last year. … We definitely have another shot.”

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