Alabama Misses Out on In-State Prospect
Four-star linebacker out of Mobile, AL, Shemar James, has committed to the University of Florida, choosing the Gators over Alabama and several other SEC programs.
“In order for me to play in the NFL I need to show people that I can do multiple things besides stop the run," James told 247Sports, "Florida is going to put me in the position to make plays and show that I can run stop and cover”
James, coming out of Faith Academy, is a member of the 2022 class and is the seventh ranked player in the state of Alabama, according to 247Sports. A lengthy, athletic linebacker that played both ways in high school, James has great instincts and is able to quickly asses plays. He plays well at the line of scrimmage, attacking offenses early, but also shows adept coverage skills.
Clint Brewster, recruiting insider for 247Sports, praised James' adaptability, saying, "He's very versatile in the way he can affect the line of scrimmage and get in the backfield on blitzes but also drop into coverage like a defensive back."
James becomes the eighth commitment for the 2022 class for the Gators, further solidifying an already top-25 class. With a lot of time left until an official decision must me made; however, something could definitely change for James who was predicted by many to choose the Crimson Tide.