Shemar

James

The 20-year-old James has two seasons of starting experience under his belt and, while he showed promise in 2024, will likely need time to develop before competing for a starting role. Given his age, James (6’1/222) may be able to add weight to his frame. James dislocated his kneecap in October 2023, nine games into his career as a starter, ending his season prematurely. He underwent surgery to correct the issue and was active for all 13 games played by the Florida Gators in 2024. Encouragingly described as an energetic player by both The Athletic’s Dane Brugler and NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, James produced career highs in solo tackles (50), forced incompletions (four), sacks (two) and quarterback pressures (13) this season.

After having de-committed from Gators the week after the loss to LSU, James re-pledged his commitment to Florida on Wednesday. The four-star LB with a 0.9738 ranking as the seventh-ranked linebacker in the class gives the Gators their second top-100 commitment on the day with Kamari Wilson committing earlier in the afternoon. After starting the day ranked in the 70’s, the Gators under new head coach Billy Napier have spiked their recruiting class up to 62nd in the nation.

James (6'3/200) played some wide receiver and running back for Faith Academy in mobile Alabama, but will be entering the college ranks as a linebacker. From 2019 to 2020, James racked up 102 total tackles, including 17 tackles for a loss, 13 sacks and one interception. It’s interesting that James would back off of Florida the way he did, but 247Sports.com lists Alabama and Georgia as his two most likely choices as it stands right now. Now we, along with the rest of the SEC, will wait and see where Alabama’s fifth ranked linebacker from the 2022 class will be playing next fall.

James (6'3/200) was a two-way threat at Faith Academy HS in Mobile, AL playing linebacker on defense while also playing running back and wide receiver on offense. He has the athleticism to make acrobatic plays on offense while possessing the versatility to drop into coverage in an off-ball role or rush the passer off the edge. James has been recruited by a who’s who of high profile schools such as Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, LSU, Michigan and Oregon. He has the potential to be an impact contributor fairly quickly for the Gators.