hipeSPOTLIGHT: Derwin James
The best player in college football is not a Quarterback, running back, or even an offensive or defensive lineman. For the first time since a certain #26 roamed the University of Miami sideline (aka the U) the best player in college football is a guy listed as a safety but who can play anyone of several positions. His name is Derwin James.
I like to refer to Mr. James as a Chameleon. A Chameleon can change its skin color to adapt to his environment. Derwin can do the same thing on the football field. When asked he can play numerous positions on the football field. He can roam the center of the field as a free safety, lock up an opposing teams best wide receiver while playing cornerback, play in the box as a strong safety or outside linebacker and rush the passer as an edge rusher. Like Chameleon’s who are also known for their great eyesight(their peepers can move in two different directions at once, giving them a panoramic view of their surroundings). Derwin can see things develop before they happen. It’s like he has eyes on the front, side and back of his head.
Freshman Derwin James blowing up gators o-lineman!! #fsu #FSUvsUF pic.twitter.com/h0hesM97F2
— EFESHEW (@FSU_Football1) November 29, 2015
In the 3 games following Derwin’s season ending injury against Charleston Southern the defense gave up 63 points in a loss to Louisville, 35 in a win against South Florida and 37 in a loss to North Carolina. This all but ended their hopes of being in the College Football Playoff. The defense looked lost. It reminded me more like a Texas Tech defense then the perennial top defense that FSU puts out year in and year out. Derwin was not only the best player every time he stepped onto the field; he was also their leader on defense.
There is no limit to how good this kid can be. From what I am hearing out of FSU is that they are trying him at kickoff return and even a little offense. All I know is, no matter where this guy lines up on the field, you damn well know the opposition will be aware of where #3 is.
I believe by the end of the 2017-2018 College Football season the rest of the football world will know the name Derwin James and come March 2018 every scout will be saying this is the best pro prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft.
