Mobile native and former Florida linebacker Shemar James is back in his hometown this week to compete in the Senior Bowl. The Faith Academy alumnus has been turning heads all week in Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
On Wednesday, James posted the third fastest speed of the day clocking in at 20.71 miles per hour, a statistic typically dominated by wide receivers and defensive backs.
“It was good to be back home, good to see family. I’ve seen a lot of them this week. I’ll see a lot of them Saturday,” James said. “I get a chance to go back to my alma mater, Faith Academy, tomorrow, so I’m just dwelling in it right now. It’s a dream come true to be able to play in a Senior Bowl, and I’m just taking it all in.”
Florida head coach Billy Napier stopped by Hancock Whitney Stadium on Wednesday to watch James and the three other former Gators compete as they prepare for the next level.
James was a crucial piece of Napier’s first recruiting class in Gainesville. Napier spoke highly of the Mobile native, who proved to be a vocal leader and top defender for the Gators.
“Shemar’s a three-down player. He can play on third down; he can match up in coverage. He’s loose. He’s got great play speed. He’ll be a great special teams player,” Napier said. “And then the leadership component, the character, he got voted team captain. But just a very consistent player guy that’s gonna know everybody in the building, brings great energy and [is] a great teammate, so somebody’s gonna get a steal. Shemar James is everything you would want in a football player.”
Senior Bowl practice wrapped up on Thursday. Players will partake in festivities including a parade on Friday with the game set for Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
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