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College football’s top 15 Heisman Trophy candidates heading into spring

By Jerran Anderson

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) drops back to pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) drops back to pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Derwin James (3) during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Mississippi Rebels 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Derwin James (3) during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Mississippi Rebels 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety Derwin James returns looking to anchor the Florida State Seminoles’ defense. He was second on the team in total tackles with 94 in 2015 as a true freshmen. He had 9.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks as well.

His 2016 season was cut short, however, due to a torn left meniscus. He had 11 tackles (nine solo, two assisted) and an interception in two games before going down with the injury. After much promise coming in, injuries cut James season short.

With some early departures on both sides of the ball, James could see a bigger role in the Seminoles’ playbook. The team is already preparing to line James up on special teams as a punt returner.

The Seminoles weren’t bad last season, finishing 10-3. But with James on the field, he brings a Jabrill-Peppers like style to a defense in need of a playmaker. James enter the spring as one of those early darkhorse Heisman candidates.

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