FSU Football: 2016 Not a Complete Wash for Derwin James

For Florida State’s most talented and versatile defender, the 2016 season ended before it ever really got started, but for that talented star, it wasn’t completely useless.

In the Seminoles’ home-opener last season against Charleston Southern, Derwin James suffered a meniscus tear which turned out to be season-ending. FSU still went on to finish in the top 10 and win a New Year’s Six bowl, but many wonder how the season may have been different with a healthy James.

In just two games last season, James recorded 11 tackles and an interception. Despite having his campaign almost completely wiped out by an injury that occurred in the second half of a 52-8 rout over Charleston Southern, James got more than nothing out of it.

“I learned a lot from standing on the sidelines and viewing it from a coach’s perspective,” James said at Thursday’s ACC Kickoff. “I tried to help my teammates any way I could.”

James could only watch from the sidelines or at home as the defense he was expected to be a leader of struggled early on last year. The now redshirt sophomore from Haines City could only sit idly by as the defense gave up a school-record 63 points to Louisville on Sept. 17 and then 37 in an upset home loss to North Carolina two weeks later.

“It was a long experience,” he said. “Of course, I wanted to be out there with my teammates.”

As the season went on however, younger players forced into action like A.J. Westbrook and Carlos Becker did improve. The FSU defense in 2016 went from a unit that ranked outside the top 100 in early October to one that finished in the top 25. James said he’s going to make sure the youngsters are engaged and ready just in case something similar happens again to him or anyone else.

“Basically, making sure the next man is up is prepared and ready to take that next step,” he said. “The younger guys — with some of the older guys like me and Nate (Andrews) going down — it took some time for them to step up, but they got better.”

While youngsters gained valuable experience in 2016, there is no question that Florida State is better with James on the field. As a true freshman for FSU in 2015, James led the Seminoles with 52 solo tackles while ranking second on the team in total tackles (91), tackles for loss (9.5), sacks (4.5), forced fumbles (2), fumble recoveries (2) and pass breakups (5).

Despite coming off a season-ending injury, the expectations have not been lowered for the do-everything safety. James has already been named to four preseason watch lists and last month, was named the top player in the country by Sports Illustrated heading into 2017.

The FSU spring game in which he finished with seven tackles, three for loss and two sacks illustrated that there is no reason to believe James will be hampered by last season’s injury. James doesn’t seem to be short on confidence either. When asked if he felt he was the best player in the country, his response was simple, “I do…”.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson