Lancaster 2028 S James Foster III (6'2, 200) is already considered one of the most highly coveted prospects in the state, and he boasts 32 scholarship offers, including SMU, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, Arizona State, Oklahoma, and Notre Dame. 

A position switch from wide receiver to the secondary helped power his rise. 

“Man, I think it all started when I switched positions," Foster said. "I started to talk to some coaches and, you know, it got better there, and I started putting my name out there, like my highlight tape really spoke for itself. You know, and I just thought I’d go up, just skyrocket.”

Foster's most recent offer came in from South Bend, and it was a big moment as he patterns his game after former Notre Dame star Kyle Hamilton. The Fighting Irish will be a factor in his recruitment. 

“He’s just versatile, and you know, he kind of fits my build. That’s what I look up to. “That was a lot (of it). Because I know where he came from and I know he had a pretty good time there, and he got drafted pretty high.”

Foster recently attended the Texas Junior Day, and the Longhorns have made him a priority.  

“In that safety room, I was like one of three, you know, so I know that that’s a very special invite," Foster said. "And for me to get it as a sophomore, that means a lot.”

On the schools recruiting him the hardest:
“I would say Texas, Texas A&M, Notre Dame, OU," Foster replied when asked who was recruiting him the most aggressively. 

"TCU has been on me pretty good, Arizona State has been coming along, SMU, and there’s a few more guys. So it’s going to be a tough, it’s gonna be a tough cutdown list.”

What stands out about Texas A&M?

“All I know is that Coach (Mike) Elko is a pretty big safety guy. I know that Elko coached (Kyle) Hamilton. You know, so being down there and the crowd and all that stuff, it was a really good experience.”

SMU and TCU offer two close-to-home destinations, so could he see himself playing college ball in the DFW?

“Hey, I’ve thought about it. I’ve thought about it, but there are some decisions that are probably going to be made. I say give it like one or two years from now.”

Lancaster recently hired a new head coach, Stephen Jackson, who comes over from West Mesquite after posting a 22-3 record over the past two seasons. Foster and the talent are excited about the future. 

“I’m pumped," Foster stated. "I’m ready. You know, I’ve never been the type to back down from any type of competition. So, you know, when I see we got a new head coach and some change, and I’ve heard some really good things about Coach Jackson, so I’m not scared at all. 22 and 3 over the last two years — hey, let’s go do it. I’m trying to win.”