FSU Football: Fans react to Derwin James declaring for NFL Draft
By Kelvin Hunt
FSU football star safety Derwin James has declared for the NFL Draft and will not play in the Independence Bowl.
In a move that was a surprise to no one, FSU football star safety Derwin James has played his final game in garnet and gold.
He announced plans to declare for the NFL Draft via his Instagram page, and to skip the FSU’s final game of the season against Southern Mississippi in the Independence Bowl.
James finished his junior season second on the team in total tackles with 84 and 5.5 tackles for loss. He also had a sack and two interceptions on the season, one returned for a touchdown.
Derwin James is projected to be a top 10 pick by many draft experts and was a two-time All-American while at Florida State.
He burst on the scene as a true freshman and set the world on fire with his hits and the ability to defend the run and the pass.
However, he missed almost all of his sophomore season due to a torn meniscus injury suffered in the second game of the season against Charleston Southern.
James fully recovered from the injury and started every FSU football game in 2017.
Twitter Reaction
Derwin James, ranked No. 10 on my Big Board, announced he'll declare for the 2018 NFL draft.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) December 5, 2017
What a Fournette move. Disappointing. NFL understandable abandoning your teammates unexcusable. He should play in bowl game.
— Randy Phillips (@BigR49) December 5, 2017
I support this move. Not risking injury in a game where we’re heavily favored and not a lot on the line is a sound choice in my book. Best of luck @derwinjames6 !
— Jason Waldrup (@jwaldrup) December 5, 2017
JUST-IN: Florida State safety Derwin James says he will not be playing in the Seminoles' bowl game. >> https://t.co/UZJmQ8ZzOF pic.twitter.com/U5l5aNqiRM
— ABC 27 (@abc27) December 5, 2017
Yep, can’t say that I blame him. Hopefully he sticks around and helps the young guys!
— 🇺🇸🏴☠️🇺🇸JaxNole65 🇺🇸🏴☠️🇺🇸 (@jdrury65) December 5, 2017
Damn I hate we wasted his years!!!!!
— 🌚 (@MarkMannish) December 5, 2017
I love Derwin.. but I don't have the same feelings towards him that some of you have. Great talent.
— Peej (@SeminolePeej) December 5, 2017
@derwinjames6 thank you thank you thank you thank you etc… can’t say it enough dawg!! Now go show the league why we’re the REAL DBU!!! 🍢🍢🍢 #NoleNation
— 🌚 (@MarkMannish) December 5, 2017
That boy Derwin seen that bowl matchup and location and was like.. pic.twitter.com/tBOJpa2nWp
— C.J. Wilson (@CjWilson850) December 5, 2017
Pretty sure Derwin plays if it was a major bowl.. he is making the right decision
— Jay B (@TrueOrigiNole) December 5, 2017
Good on @derwinjames6 for making smart choice in skipping the bowl game. Thanks for all you’ve done for @FSUFootball! Go get paid!
— Alec Hyre (@A_Hyre9) December 5, 2017
Good luck @derwinjames6 go get paid brother!!! Represent those Polk county Noles!!!
— Jason Douglas (@TrueNOLE0613) December 5, 2017
Thoughts
Our co-editor Jason Parker disagrees, but I think James declaring for the draft and skipping the bowl game is the right move. The guy has been the epitome of a leader despite everything endured during his time at FSU.
Also, being on the sidelines and seeing Michigan’s Jake Butt injured in the Orange Bowl last year likely made the decision easier.
James is one of the most talented players to put on the garnet and gold. Unfortunately, he played for a defensive coordinator that wasn’t the best fit for the program, and played at FSU when they didn’t have very good quarterback play.
The result of those two things means FSU didn’t win anything noteworthy during his time at FSU as he was injured during its Orange Bowl win over Michigan in 2016.
Next: Why FSU Wins A Title Before Texas A&M Wins SEC West
Thanks for everything Mr. James. Go represent the ‘Noles and continue the legacy of the real “DBU” in the NFL.