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FSU Alums: Derwin James ranked among best young players in NFL

By Kelvin Hunt

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after defeating the Baltimore Ravens after the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Chargers defeated the Ravens with a score of 23 to 17. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after defeating the Baltimore Ravens after the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Chargers defeated the Ravens with a score of 23 to 17. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Former FSU safety Derwin James is no stranger to standing out among his peers. He did it at FSU and is now doing it in the NFL.

Derwin James probably could have started in FSU’s secondary when he was a senior in high school.

That’s how good he was, and his freshman season was further proof of just how great of a player he could be.

He missed most of his sophomore season with an injury before coming back his junior season before declaring for the NFL Draft where he was selected No. 17 overall by the Chargers.

Ironically, James burst on the NFL scene much as he did as a true freshman at FSU, and that’s why he’s named one of the best players under 25 years old in the NFL by Pro Football Focus.

Top Five

  • Patrick Mahomes
  • Quenton Nelson
  • Christian McCaffrey
  • Derwin James
  • Jamal Adams

James ranked No. 4 on the list but is the youngest player listed in the top five. He’ll be 24 years old, one month, and seven days old if the NFL season kicks off on time.

James had an incredible rookie season that saw him accumulate 105 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, 13 passes defended, and 3 interceptions while playing in all 16 games.

He was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team, Pro Bowl, and named First-Team All-Pro.

Much like his time at FSU, James missed most of his second year in the NFL due to injury but did return to play in the final five games of the season and picked up right where he left off.

He finished the 2019 season with 34 total tackles and one pass defended. James has the talent and is in a defensive system that will allow him to flourish as long as he can stay healthy.

Next. Why FSU Fans Shouldn't Worry About Recruiting Rankings Yet. dark

Here’s to hoping he can do just that and represent the Noles in the league for years to come.

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