“I have found my future home” - 3-star DL Josiah “Cheese” Hammond announces commitment to Kansas football

Modified Jun 18, 2024 16:49 GMT

Josiah "Cheese" Hammond, a three-star defensive lineman from Tulsa, Oklahoma, committed to the Kansas football program on Sunday. This marks the fifth commitment for the Jayhawks in a single day, enhancing a strong recruiting class for the 2025 season. Hammond confirmed via a post on X, writing:

"After a great visit [KU] I have found my future home and will be shutting down my recruitment! I appreciate all the coaches and programs who invested in me and my family! Jayhawk fam let’s get to it‼️"

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Hammond’s pledge chose Kansas over other offers from notable programs such as Arizona, Houston, Utah and Washington. At Kansas, Hammond is projected to play as a defensive tackle. The 6-foot-5 Hammond's journey to Kansas began early, with the Jayhawks being one of the first major programs to extend an offer to him.

Having played his junior year at Will Rogers High School before transferring to Union High School in Tulsa, Hammond was a priority target for KU coaches Jim Panagos and Brian Borland, who made several trips to Oklahoma to see him play.

Initially, Hammond had a packed schedule of official visits lined up for June, with stops planned at Utah, Iowa State, Kansas and Washington. However, after visiting Utah and Iowa State, he decided to forgo his Washington visit and close his recruitment process early.

During his junior year in 2023, Hammond demonstrated his prowess on the field, recording 44 tackles, nine tackles for loss and two sacks. His sophomore year was spent on the sidelines due to transfer regulations in Oklahoma.

With Hammond's commitment, Kansas football now boasts 11 recruits for the 2025 class. The Jayhawks have secured five offensive recruits, including quarterback David McComb, running back John Kelly, tight end Joseph Skipworth and offensive linemen Juju Marks and Anderson Kopp.

Defensively, the team has welcomed linebackers Malachi Curvey and Kenyon Rivera, defensive ends Adrian Holley and Garrett Martin, safety Brandon Schmelzle and defensive tackle Josiah Hammond.

Bryce Foster joins Kansas football, adding depth to the offensive line

Kansas football's O-line competition has intensified with the commitment of Bryce Foster, a transfer from Texas A&M. Multiple reports confirm Foster’s decision to join the Jayhawks, bringing valuable experience from his time in the Southeastern Conference.

Foster, once a four-star high school recruit according to 247Sports Composite, is now rated as a three-star talent in the transfer portal. During his tenure at Texas A&M, Foster started all 12 games at center in 2023, following an injury-shortened 2022 season.

Kansas football is vying for a Big 12 championship and has senior Michael Ford Jr. and redshirt senior Shane Bumgardner as the leading candidates for the center spot. Ford has been a reliable starter at guard for Kansas but is versatile enough to move to center if needed. Bumgardner, a standout transfer from Tiffin, earned the title of Division II Center of the Year last season.

Foster, named a freshman All-American and to the SEC's all-freshman team in 2021, brings a proven track record from a power-conference level. His addition could solidify Kansas' offensive line, potentially allowing Ford to remain at guard if Foster secures the center position or backs up Bumgardner.