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ACC Football: Top 10 players heading into spring games

By Jerran Anderson

Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) celebrates after a tackle during the second half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) celebrates after a tackle during the second half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Derwin James (3) celebrates after a play in the fourth quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles won 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Derwin James (3) celebrates after a play in the fourth quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles won 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety Derwin James had his 2016 season cut short after tearing his meniscus in his left knee and missing the remainder of the season. After taking a medical redshirt last season, James is ready to show he is healthy this spring.

He had the first interception of his career along with eight tackles in the team’s season opening 45-34 victory over against the Ole Miss Rebels back on September 5. He received ACC Defensive Back of the Week honors for his play that wee. The following week he went down with his season-ending injury against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers.

James was a preseason All-American before suffering his injury. Entering the spring, he enters as the potential anchor for a team that lost its sack leader, DeMarcus Walker to the NFL Draft. Back in 2014, James was named a Freshman All-American in his first year as starter. He had 91 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries during that season.

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