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FSU Football: Derwin James ranked No. 1 player in college football

By Kelvin Hunt

Apr 8, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Derwin James (3) during the Spring Game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Derwin James (3) during the Spring Game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /
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FSU football was missing a key member of its defense in 2016. One website says Derwin James is the best player in college football.

FSU football has had a ton of players come through its program to go on and do great things in the NFL.

Derwin James is likely the next FSU great to put himself in position to join that select group of players.

James is looking to reestablish himself as arguably the best player in college football after bursting on the scene as a true freshman and gaining All-American honors from several publications.

Sports Illustrated has already crowned James as the best football player in the nation after seeing him perform in the FSU football Spring Game in April:

"There’s a high degree of risk involved with this pick. If things break the way SI.com expects them to, though, the reward will be enormous. James appeared in only two games last season before undergoing surgery to address a knee injury. If the effects of that injury linger into the fall, James’s play will suffer as a result. Fortunately, there are signs that he has fully recovered. He shone with seven tackles and two sacks in Florida State’s Garnet and Gold game in April, and he was caught on camera throwing down a dunk the same month that would have earned better scores than most of the jams in this year’s NBA dunk contest. James may be the only player in the country capable of lining up virtually everywhere on the defensive side of the ball"

James wasn’t the only FSU player listed. Tarvarus McFadden (No. 19), Josh Sweat (No. 43), Derrick Nnadi (No. 69), Deondre Francois (No. 91) and Cam Akers (No. 99) made the list.

Thoughts

No question Derwin James is a generational talent, and if he remains healthy will likely surpass 100 tackles on the season after having 91 as a true freshman in 2015.

He’s a dark horse Heisman Trophy candidate who’s often compared to Jabrill Peppers who played at Michigan last season. It’s a disgrace to put Pepper’s in the same sentence as James in my opinion.

Next: Ranking The Top 5 Defenses FSU Will Face In 2017

James can play safety, cornerback, linebacker and rush off the edge as demonstrated with 4.5 sacks in 2015.

FSU football fans need to enjoy this season as it’s likely the last year you’ll see him in Tallahassee.

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