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Ranking the 50 best college football players for 2016

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State University defensive back Derwin James (3) before the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State University defensive back Derwin James (3) before the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /

The local prospect was one of the nation’s most coveted recruits in the 2015 class. Ranked the No. 1 safety in the class across the board, Derwin James was considered a lock to be a major contributor for the Seminoles once he stepped foot onto campus as a freshman.

The hype was warranted as he was an All-ACC performer in his first year, recording 91 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, five pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He was a monster in the secondary and brought some toughness and grit to the safety position.

As a former five-star recruit, he probably had a lot of weight on his shoulders to live up to lofty expectations, but he didn’t show it. The Freshman All-American honoree is considered one of the best defensive backs in the nation and he could very well be the country’s top safety in 2016.

You know a kid is talented when he can start as a true freshman and star on a team that’s a national title contender and is known for its stingy defense. Expect the Seminoles to rely heavily on him once again and don’t be surprised if he wins the ACC’s Defensive Back of the Year award in 2016.

James’ big-time hits highlighted the defensive effort in 2015 and you can be sure he will be more comfortable making jaw-rattling hits in 2016. This kid is a monster.

Next: 19. Joshua Dobbs

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