Derwin James, safety, Florida State
We highlighted James as one of the nation’s best defenders heading into the upcoming season. He’s a human highlight reel. He’s also one of the scariest sights an ACC quarterback, running back or receiver could possibly see.
Derwin James then follows up with the spinebuster to finish Brissett pic.twitter.com/LCH8u88hkm
— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) May 23, 2017
Expectations couldn’t have been higher for James heading into last season. But an early-season knee injury caused the dynamic safety to miss all but two games last year.
What he’s accomplished early in his career is astonishing, though. In 14 career games, James has racked up incredible stats: 102 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble returns.
Anything less than an All-American campaign would have to be deemed a disappointment. Simpy put, James is the best safety in the nation. And it’s not all that close.