Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier raves about LB Shemar James after excellent Senior Bowl week
The Florida Gators had four players in Mobile, Alabama at the Reese's Senior Bowl and they performed quite well over the course of the week. The biggest winner of all the Gators down in Mobile was linebacker Shemar James, who thrived in his hometown all week long. He did a great job staying patient in […]
The Florida Gators had four players in Mobile, Alabama at the Reese's Senior Bowl and they performed quite well over the course of the week.
The biggest winner of all the Gators down in Mobile was linebacker Shemar James, who thrived in his hometown all week long. He did a great job staying patient in pass coverage, leaving him able to attack the football when the pass was thrown.
Billy Napier praises Shemar James
Head coach Billy Napier spent time in Mobile at the Senior Bowl doing interviews and supporting his players during the event. With James having the best week among his players, he was the main topic of conversation when Napier spoke to Nick Marcinko of Gator Country.
“Shemar was one of our original signees, he’s seen the good, bad, and the ugly,” Billy Napier said on James. “I think obviously was off to an incredible start, the injury in year two was a little bit of a setback. But he had a great year, team captain, three down player, can play on third down, he’s loose, can match in coverage, good special teams player, and obviously smart, brings a lot of positive energy to the building, always got a smile on his face, knows everybody’s name, just a guy you really enjoy coaching and being around.”
These elements are huge when it comes to making a team and being drafted outside of the top 75, which is the likely area that James will be selected. After his play, James' draft stock is at an all-time high. Napier's been asked a lot about James and he spoke highly about everything he brings, including his leadership abilities.
“Everybody’s asking me about him because he’s had a good couple days here,” Napier told Gator Country. “Third down value, special teams value, and then the ability to be a good communicator. There’s no limits to what he can do, he’s got everything you’re looking for.
“Shemar has been there and stayed there all through the good, the bad, and the ugly. He’s handled the adversity, he stayed the course, just good for him to go out with a four-game win streak. Felt like he contributed to kind of the turnaround this year. But yeah, he’s an inside backer that will play for a while.”
James' athleticism is what separates himself from a lot of the class. He moves like a safety, despite weighing 230 lbs. That type of explosiveness isn't normal for a player of his size. He won't fit every team's scheme, but projects to be a WILL at the next level.
The linebacker group has some wild cards in it, including James, and Napier's words, paired with his play, could propel him up draft boards.
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