by Chelsea Ladd
The Paducah Sun
March 30, 2024
Used with permission.
Paducah Tilghman quarterback Jack James will continue his illustrious football career at the collegiate level after graduating in the spring of 2025. On Thursday, James announced his commitment to Troy University via social media, thanking his coaching staff, which included Tilghman head coach Sean Thompson and Corey Robinson, the latter of whom was Troy’s quarterback from 2010-13.
“It’s been my dream to play Division 1 FBS football since I can remember,” James said. “Being able to continue to play the sport I love is an absolute blessing, and it’s awesome to see all the hard work I’ve put in pay off.”
Ranked as the No. 12 overall prospect in Kentucky, James chose to sign with the Trojan football program over the University of Kentucky, Tulane, Charlotte, Eastern Kentucky, Miami (OH), Old Dominion, and Massachusetts.
James holds the all-time passing touchdown record at Tilghman—a notable accomplishment as a junior in the rich historical Blue Tornado program—completing 255 of 375 passes for 4,019 yards and 56 touchdowns with six interceptions last fall. He finished the 2023 season with six rushing touchdowns.
“I committed to Troy simply because of the love I felt when I attended spring practice. Along with the coaching staff’s plans for me in the future, running the same offense I have run for years,” he said. “Their facilities are top-tier and new, making the choice to commit easier. At the end of the day, I want to go somewhere where football is loved by the program and the people who surround it.”
James received the Kentucky Prep Gridiron Big School Offensive Player of the Year last season. In 2021, he led the Blue Tornado to the Class 3A state championship game against Belfry, who barely escaped Paducah Tilghman in a 33-28 finish.
“My goal for next season is always the same: to bring a state championship back to Paducah,” James said. “We are returning a lot of guys on both sides of the ball who all have experience in big games and are hungry for the state championship. I’m looking forward to an exciting senior season."
The Paducah Tilghman Blue Tornado finished the 2023 season with a 13-1 record, the lone loss coming during the Class 4A final four state football finals to Covington Catholic.
Additionally, James won a state championship for the Blue Tornado during his junior wrestling season.