FSU’s Derwin James Named to Watch List

Florida State sophomore safety Derwin James was among 42 players named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list on Wednesday.

Since its inception in 2004, the award named after former USC safety Ronnie Lott, has annually been given to the defensive player that performs on the field and shows character off it. IMPACT is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academic, Community and Tenacity.

Previous winners include Boston College’s Luke Kuechly, LSU’s Glenn Dorsey, Wisconsin’s J.J. Watt, Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o and last season’s winner, Penn State defensive end Carl Nassib.

A former 5-star recruit out of Haines City, Florida, James made an immediate impact for the Seminoles as a true freshman in 2015. James finished second on the team with 91 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2 fumble recoveries and 2 forced fumbles.

Many feel that James could have an All-American campaign in 2016. The Seminoles will open the season in Orlando on Labor Day against Ole Miss at 8 p.m. EST.