James wants to be part of change at Kansas

Just last week Troy James visited Lawrence. After the visit he said he wanted to bring his parents to the area and see campus in July. But James only needed a week after his visit to decide he was ready to make his announcement.

At exactly 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening James announced committed to the Jayhawks.

“The fans really stood out and all of the recruits who have already committed,” James said. “I know we can help turn the program around at Kansas. It all starts by committing. I talked with my family about it before I made my decision. I like doing things that I can help change.”

James had over 20 division one offers including Arkansas, North Carolina State, Memphis, Colorado, Cincinnati, and several others. One of the key factors was the relationship he built with Kansas assistant Tony Hull.

Hull was the head coach at Warren Easton last year in New Orleans and guided them to the state semi-finals this year. He has already opened up doors for the Jayhawks in Louisiana.

“He was always straight up with me,” James said. “He never cut corners and he kept it real. He said if I come in and work hard I could earn a spot and play early. Being from Louisiana he understands the environment that I come from.”

After James announced his decision he spoke with Kansas head coach David Beaty.

“He was excited and said the whole staff was excited,” James said.

At 6-foot-4, 268 pounds James has shown he has the ability to play different positions. The Kansas coaches recruited him on the defensive line but he has also played fullback, running back, and tight end at Madison Prep. It was his film early on that caught the staff’s attention.

“They told me I come off with aggressiveness and play with swagger,” he said. “I have that fight and I don’t lay down. I always want to win.”

With several offers in hand James had his pick of schools. But he said the chance to help build something was important to him.

“I feel the excitement from everyone at Kansas,” James said. “Some people said I didn’t make a good decision because of their (Kansas) past record. But I want to go in and help them change the culture.”