Florida’s Shemar James on His Mobile Roots and Injury Recovery
Shemar James, part of Billy Napier’s first recruiting class at Florida, is now among the upperclassmen aiming to restore the program’s respectability in 2024. The Gators have endured three consecutive losing seasons, including a 5-7 record in 2023 that excluded them from bowl games. James participated in just eight games last year due to a knee injury that required surgery, sidelining him for all of November.
Despite his injury, the Mobile native and former Faith Academy standout managed 55 tackles, ranking second on the team behind safety Jordan Castell’s 60. Representing the Gators at SEC Media Days in Dallas, alongside quarterback Graham Mertz and running back Montrell Johnson, James discussed his recovery and staying connected with the team.
“I’ve been staying close with the team,” James said. “Injuries can isolate some guys, but I believe staying involved and encouraging the team each week is crucial.”
Coach Napier emphasized the importance of James’s return, saying, “It’s a big deal to have him back.”
James, a four-star recruit and Top 100 national prospect in Florida’s 2022 signing class, continues a pipeline from Mobile to Gainesville, which has produced players like La’Mical Perine and Kadarius Toney. He is arguably the most decorated football player in Faith Academy’s history and the first from the program to sign with an SEC school.
During his high school career, James helped Coach Jack French’s Rams reach the playoffs every year, despite his senior season being marred by injury. Reflecting on his time in Mobile, James said, “I miss it, life was simple. Mobile will always be home to me. Faith Academy, Coach French. I miss it a lot.”
In his freshman year at Florida in 2022, James earned Freshman All-SEC honors, playing in 13 games, starting four, and finishing with 47 tackles. He was on track for another stellar season before dislocating his kneecap in a loss to Georgia on Oct. 28, which led to a winless remainder of the season for the Gators.
Now fully recovered, James is expected to be a key defensive leader for Florida this fall. He proudly represents his hometown, frequently boasting about the talent from Mobile.
“I’ve been getting stronger, becoming a better leader and communicator on the field, and improving overall as a linebacker,” James said. “Regarding my development, I’d say I’ve improved my vocal leadership and tackling skills.”
He added, “I take pride in being from Mobile, Alabama. I always tell my teammates that we have the best city and the best state in the country.”
Leave a Reply