re: 2018 Football Recruiting Thread -- Final OP Update Edition

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Alabama was Sidney Lanier quarterback James Foster's dream offer, but the 6-foot-3, 210-pound Foster knew his best future opportunity was at Missouri.

Foster, a three-star recruit in the 247Sports composite, announced his commitment to the Tigers last Wednesday. He told head coach Barry Odom and offensive coordinator Josh Heupel last Tuesday and said the response "felt like every coach was jumping up on chairs."

Foster was offered by Missouri as a sophomore and has built a bond with Heupel ever since. He rewarded the Tigers' efforts with his pledge, and he's the first Missouri commitment for the class of 2018.

"I didn't know too much (about Missouri when they first offered), but I had watched them play," Foster said. "It never crossed my mind that this was where I'd be committing to."

Foster made his first trip to Missouri in March.

"It's a family atmosphere," Foster said. "Family is supposed to be important to you off the field, too. It's bigger than just being on the field. That's really why I liked it a lot. A lot of people are there for you off the field."

The quarterback situation is a good one for Foster at Missouri as rising junior Drew Lock will have either declared for the NFL Draft or have just one more year when Foster arrives.

"I like their offense a lot," Foster said. "They chunk it around a lot, and that's something I like to do. That's why I feel like it could be a great fit for me."

Foster knows Jamal Brooks, a Missouri signee from Bessemer City in the 2017 class. Missouri is making Montgomery an area of priority, and he'll be after several teammates and friends to join him.

Foster mentioned the Park Crossing duo of offensive lineman Tank Jenkins and quarterback/athlete Cam Taylor, Lee-Montgomery defensive back Jakorey Hawkins and Lanier teammates La'Dedric Jackson, a linebacker and defensive end Albert Thomas.

Foster said he didn't know if Alabama would still evaluate him or not, but he is expecting Florida State to see him throw this week. FSU has not yet offered. Other offers included Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee, UNC and South Carolina.

It would be hard to see Foster change his commitment again. He was once committed to North Carolina, but backed off seeing that he did that too early in his high school career.

"I'm solid," Foster said. "I was relieved. I feel like I made the right decision."

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