FSU’s Derwin James Declares for NFL Draft

Florida State redshirt sophomore safety Derwin James is calling it a college career. The FSU standout announced via Instagram on Tuesday that he would be declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft.

On to the next chapter of my life I will be entering the 2018 NFL Draft and will not participate in the bowl game, FOREVER NOLE NATION #dj3

A post shared by DJ3 (@derwinjames) on Dec 5, 2017 at 10:14am PST

A former 5-star safety from Haines City, Florida, James wasted little time making an impact for the Seminoles. As a freshman in 2015, James ranked in the top 3 for FSU in tackles, solo tackles, tackles for loss, sacks and forced fumbles.

James appeared in just two games as a sophomore last season before going down with a season-ending meniscus injury. James returned as a redshirt sophomore this year to have an All-ACC season for the Seminoles.

James will finish the 2017 campaign with 84 total tackles, including 5.5 for loss and team-highs with 11 pass break-ups and two interceptions, including one of which he returned for a touchdown. James will not play for FSU against Southern Mississippi in the Independence Bowl on Dec. 27. James is expected to be a first round pick in the upcoming draft.

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