Florida State Football: 5 players to watch in 2017 spring game

Safety Derwin James was considered one of the best players in the country last year before an injury in the 2016 season put him on the sidelines.  He is back this year, and if he stays healthy could be one of the most dangerous defenders in the country. He is already receiving Heisman buzz, which would make him one of the only defensive players on that list.

With the loss of DeMarcus Walker from the Seminoles’ roster, James is a welcome boost to the team’s secondary. James spent much of 2016 on the sidelines; however, during his freshman year in 2015, James was a talented jack-of-all-trades for the Seminoles, ranking first or second on the team in solo tackles, total tackles, tackles for a loss, sacks and forced fumbles.

James is physical against the run, handles the blitz with finesse, and excels at pass protection. If the ‘Noles can keep James healthy, he may be one of the best players on an already loaded defensive line.

But James isn’t done yet. According to insiders who have been watching the Seminoles at spring practice, James has been playing kick returner, defensive end, linebacker, and cornerback. This versatility is something that the Seminoles have been missing since their national title season in 2013. Flexibility is something that the ‘Noles will need from their players, particularly with Alabama coming up as their first game of the 2017 season.