Francis Howell's Jude James kicks off Mizzou football's commitment push

Francis Howell's Jude James (6) carries the ball during a game against Fort Zumwalt West, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, at Fort Zumwalt West High School in O'Fallon, Mo. Michael Gulledge, Special toCOLUMBIA, Mo. — Mizzou football's critical recruiting weekend last month has started to pay off with some much-needed verbal commitments. The Tigers landed two pledges Friday from Francis Howell's Jude James and Jackson Hancock of Canton, Georgia. Both were among the large contingent of official visitors on campus last week as part of Mizzou's Gold Rush recruiting weekend.

James, an All-Metro defensive back for Francis Howell last fall, had 119 tackles, seven tackles for loss and four interceptions as a…