National Signing Day isn't until February 6, 2013, but Monticello High School quarterback Jhalil Mosley has already made up his mind on where he'll be playing college football. The rising senior has given a verbal commitment to James Madison University.
The two-year starter threw for 1,907 yards and completed 52% of his passes as a junior last year, adding 21 touchdowns and just six interceptions through the air. He also ran for 655 yards and ten touchdowns, earning second-team All-Jefferson District.
The Mustangs went 8-3 last season, advancing to the Region II semifinals.
Madison was the first school to make an offer to Mosley. He chose the Dukes over offers from VMI and William and Mary.
"It showed me that they took the time to think about me much more and offered me first," said Mosley. "It kind of made my decision easier. I can just go out there and play football. I don't have to worry about my decision later on. It made my decision a lot easier."
"It's definitely a testament to his skills," said Monticello head coach Rodney Redd. "Not only athletically but academically as well. I think it will help him tremendously. It will allow him to just focus on having fun his senior year and also be a great player for us and a great leader."
Mosley says JMU's offense was a big draw.
"I like it," said Mosley. "It's a comfortable fit for what coach Redd and I do down here: spread, option-style, pro-style. It's just basically the same as here at Monticello."
"We run a pro-style offense, but we also mix in some zone-option and some spread," Redd said. "I think his skills can really flourish in all three of those. I think that is one thing JMU is trying to do, become more balanced on offense. He definitely has the skill set to make plays with his feet as well as his arm."
Monticello kicks off the season August 31st at Albemarle.
