Missouri lands its 2018 quarterback in James Foster II

Missouri coaches made it evident that James Foster II, a three-star dual-threat quarterback from Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, Ala., was their top quarterback choice in the 2018 recruiting cycle. They secured a commitment from Foster today.

Missouri offered on May 19, 2016, Foster was finally able to visit the weekend after Missouri opened their spring practice. Though he didn’t commit, he told Rock M Nation’s Ethan Triebsch at The Opening Atlanta that Mizzou remained his leader. Foster’s commitment could mean big things for the rest of the 2018 class, as we noted last weekend:

Foster told Triebsch that his recent visit to Missouri “helped solidify the Tigers’ status as his #1 choice” and that was despite receiving an offer from in-state Alabama. Foster is also reportedly close with top Missouri’s top target in-state receiver prospect, Kamryn Babb, and if the Tigers landed the quarterback’s commitment, it could sway him to become a Tiger as well.

That’s at least three recruits linked to James Foster. If Michael Porter Jr. has been the point man for Missouri basketball recruiting I suppose you could say the same about Foster’s potential impact for football.

Until late last year, Foster was committed to North Carolina. Despite today’s commitment, offensive coordinator Josh Heupel and staff are probably going to spend the next 10 months fending off the likes of Georgia’s Kirby Smart, South Carolina’s Will Muschamp, etc. Foster also grew up a Crimson Tide fan and received an Alabama offer recently, but according to an interview earlier this year, he said, “I’m not huge on staying in-state. I can go anywhere. I know a lot of kids in this state dream about offers from Auburn or Alabama, but I’m not huge on that.”

At 6’2, and closer to 210 pounds than the weight listed on his rivals profile, Foster is basically the same size as former Clemson QB Deshaun Watson, a player who he looks up to as a role model for his game.

Foster and quarterback guru Josh Heupel reportedly have a very strong bond. Watching Foster’s highlights, his mobility stands out, but he’s made it clear he wants to transcend the “dual-threat” label. Heupel’s work with Chuckie Keeton and Kent Myers at Utah State should make that possible. (Side note, I still find it weird that David Yost replaced Heupel as the Aggies’ offensive coordinator).

The highlights below display an athlete that possesses the ability to make things happen when the play breaks down or his first read isn’t open. Based on these highlights, I see flashes of his ability to stretch defenses vertically when he sets his feet, but it will need development. Fortunately, that’s something Heupel emphasizes and has demonstrated a knack for improving.

Foster will join the quarterback competition in 2018, presumably against senior Drew Lock, junior Jack Lowary, sophomore Micah Wilson and probable redshirt freshman Taylor Powell.

Sophomore Highlights

Junior Highlights

@YoungSimba4

Welcome to the Zou, James!