DITR – James Lucas IV

James Lucas IV is a 6’2″, 170 pound, class of 2025 quarterback from Bolton High School in Alexandria, Louisiana. He is a dual threat quarterback and extremely athletic for his age. Recently, at Gridiron Football’s most recent camp in Eunice, Louisiana, James ran a 4.66 40-yard dash time, a 4.44 shuttle time, and jumped 9 feet and 5 inches in the broad jump, which was the longest distance among 60+ competitors. These measurables compare well to two NFL quarterbacks, Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts, both of whom James studies and models his game after.

James did not take a snap in 2022. He was forced to sit out a year, due to LHSAA rules, as he transferred schools. He played his freshman year not far from Bolton, at Pineville High School in Pineville, Louisiana. In that season, 2021, James threw for 1200 yards and threw 18 touchdown passes, and added an additional 300 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns to his tally. James is excited to be returning to the field in 2023 and ready to showcase his talents to college scouts over the next two seasons. Off the field, James had earned a 3.0 GPA throughout his time in high school so far.

I recently interviewed James and asked him a few questions:

At what age did you start playing football?

“I was 8 years old.”

Have you always played your current position, or did you play a different position growing up?

“I have always played QB, but also a little DB when needed.”

What sets you apart from everyone else on the field?

“What sets me apart is my competitive drive. I’m willing to put my team on my back and do anything it takes to win.”

What is your favorite accomplishment so far in your football career?

“My favorite accomplishment is that I’ve never had a losing season.”

What is your favorite memory playing football so far?

“My team going undefeated during my 8th grade year.”

How do you balance athletics and academics?

“I balance the two by prioritizing academics and using that as motivation for athletics.”

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced on the field?

“The biggest challenge I’ve faced is being ineligible for the 2022 season because of my transfer.”

How do you stay physically fit outside of football?

“I stay in shape with my workouts at home and my trainer at Extreme Sports Performance.”

What are you hoping to achieve in this upcoming season?

I’m hoping to help Bolton reach the top of the 3A class and bring home a state championship.”

What is your end goal for your football career?

“To be an NFL Hall of Famer.”

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned playing football?

“I’ve learned to never let anyone tell me I can’t or that I’m not good enough, and to be a strong leader in the locker room and on the field.”

How do you prepare for big games?

“I prepare for big games by eating a good meal, getting a lot of rest the day before a game, and getting a good workout in before the game.”

What type of play style do you have?

“I’m a dual threat QB. I pride myself on my accuracy but also my speed and agility. My 40-time has really helped with that aspect, being in the 4.6’s.”

Lastly, who is the biggest role model in your life?

“My biggest role model in life is my dad. He’s been there for everything in my life and is the reason I love the game so much. He has taken me to every camp like Gridiron, Rivals, and some junior day camps, and I wouldn’t be where I am without him.”

Pictured above is James and his father at the most recent Gridiron camp in Eunice, LA. Photo courtesy of Gridiron Football.