TALLAHASSEE, Fla.
Many things have changed for third-ranked Florida State since Derwin James last
played in a game. What hasnt changed is the sophomore safety ability
https://www.seminolesteamfanshop.com/191-Seminoles_Mfiondu_Kabengele_Jersey.
James missed most of last season with a knee injury and now has a chip on his
shoulder. He is still considered not only the team best defender, but one of the
best in the nation. Hell get a chance to prove it when the No. 3 Seminoles take
on top-ranked Alabama Saturday in Atlanta. James took part in spring practices
after tearing the meniscus in his left knee last September during the second
half against Charleston Southern. The 6-foot-3, 211 pound Haines City, Florida
native said he hasnt had any problems with the knee. The only problem James has
had is keeping his emotions in check. Im anxious to get out there for the first
game I still feel like I have something to prove, he said. James played in only
two games last season, but had an impact in both. He had eight tackles and an
interception in the win over Ole Miss . After he was sidelined, the Seminoles
dropped two of their next three games and were ranked last among Power Five
conference teams in pass defense. The defense improved during the second half of
last season and comes into this year with plenty of experience. Florida State
was the only school to have two players on The Associated Press Preseason
All-America first team defense James and cornerback Tarvarus McFadden. Alabama
coach Nick Saban said that James is every bit as good as anyone they have faced
in his 11 years at the school. This guy just a very aggressive player. He got
good ball skills. He a good tackler. Good blitzer. Just all around a really,
really good football player, Saban said. I think when you have good safeties,
they can minimize the big plays that you ever give up because a lot of times
theyre ready to stop the ball when it breaks the line of scrimmage
Amir
Rasul Jersey. He certainly good at doing that. James said his biggest
takeaway from spending last year on the sidelines was getting a better
understanding of the game. Now, he believes he can watch film from a coaches
standpoint and has a better grasp on his and other players responsibilities.
When the coach is getting on you it because of a reason. It because of something
that you see, that they see, he said. I didnt get that at first coming in, but
now I understand why the coaches are on me so hard. Despite limited action last
year, James comes into the season hailed as the best defensive player in college
football by a couple of national publications. James is expected to be even
better than he was as in 2015 when he started eight games as a freshman and was
second on the team in tackles with 91, including 9.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks.
James has drawn comparisons to former Michigan standout Jabrill Peppers because
of his versatility. Besides lining up at safety, James has played end in certain
pass-rushing situations. He also occasionally is used as a linebacker or a
corner against a slot receiver. Besides playing defense, James is expected to
see time at punt returner and could even see a couple plays on offense at
receiver. But hell likely be needed to make his biggest impact the Crimson Tide
on defense. Florida State has struggled against dual-threat quarterbacks the
past couple seasons, but James thinks his return and that the unit has a better
understanding of the scheme should help against Alabama and Jalen Hurts. Last
season Hurts accounted for 3
Joseph
Garcia Jersey,734 yards of total offense and 36 touchdowns. He also had one
game where he threw for over 300 yards and rushed for over 100. Hurts said FSU
defense reminds him a lot of Alabama. Theyre fast, physical, a lot of range,
tall. Were up for a challenge, Hurts said. It is going to come down to who
executes the best. Despite the fanfare this opener is receiving it is the
first-ever opening week matchup of preseason top-3 teams since the AP started
selecting them in 1950 James is trying to focus on the entire season and trying
to get the Seminoles back to the College Football Playoff for the first time
since 2014. It great to have those things, but I feel like I havent reached my
full potential yet, James said. Im just trying to make a name for myself. I want
to live off my own legacy. I dont mind being compared to somebody but I really
want to create my own legacy so that one day kids can say, I want to be like
Derwin James. AP Sports Writer John Zenor in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, contributed to
this story.