FSU football: Top 10 true freshmen of the last decade

By Kelvin Hunt | Aug 14, 2019

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 15: Dalvin Cook #4 of the Florida State Seminoles scores the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Miami Hurricanes on November 15, 2014 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Seminoles defeated the Hurricanes 30-26. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Derwin James

Derwin James had a monster true freshman season in 2015. He was second on the team with 91 total tackles and was named Freshman All-American by multiple outlets.

James was used like a Swiss Army knife by then FSU defensive coordinator Charles Kelly. He had 9.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four pass breakups, two quarterback hurries, two fumbles forced and two fumble recoveries.

He was everywhere for the Noles on a team in which the defense carried the load all year. James tallied double digit tackles in four games and had nine tackles in two more games.

After the third game of the season Derwin James NEVER totaled less than six tackles in a game which is crazy while playing the safety position.

James missed almost all of his sophomore season without an injury before returning to form his junior season. The No. 17 overall draft pick is now considered one of the best safeties in the NFL after just one season.

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