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FSU Football: Columnist Projects Derwin James as Top Prospect at 2018 Combine

By Jason Parker

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Derwin James (3) celebrates after a play in the fourth quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles won 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Derwin James (3) celebrates after a play in the fourth quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles won 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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FSU football could likely have just one year left with Derwin James before he heads to the NFL – as one columnist thinks he’ll be the top combine prospect.

When Derwin James went down with a knee injury in the second game of the 2016 season, many FSU football fans wondered if the true sophomore would try and get a redshirt season and – in the hopes of many fans – stay in Tallahassee for an extra season as a result. At the time, head coach Jimbo Fisher said he wasn’t going to fight for one since he already was sure James was heading to the NFL after this coming season.

James did in fact get that redshirt year, but Fisher’s prediction may come true since the Haines City native is already being rated as one of the top prospects for the 2018 season. If he does indeed turn pro following the season, James will join the list of great FSU football stars who have spent the weeks before getting drafted trying to improve their stock – including spending days at the annual NFL Combine.

According to one expert, CBS Sports’ Ben Kercheval, believes that not only will Derwin James be a sought after player should be turn pro – but listed him first among who he called the “studs” of the 2018 combine:

"What stands out about James physically is that, as an incoming freshman in 2015, he had the size and build of someone who had already been through a college strength program. Sometimes that size can actually be a disadvantage — a fit issue of the square peg-round hole variety — but not for James. His combination of size and athleticism makes him one of the most versatile (and smart) defenders in college football."

So far, James has played in just 15 games over two seasons for FSU football but has become one of the more popular names this offseason when the conversation turns to national awards, overall talent or future NFL careers.

Fans of the Seminoles would be well served to enjoy every moment this season with the former five star recruit – his time in Tallahassee may be numbered, so enjoy this time while you can.

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