James solid to FSU but looking at UF

Will Muschamp has made a name for himself the last few years by flipping top recruits from other teams including in-state rival Florida State.

This year Muschamp is trying to flip Florida State safety commit Derwin James (6-3, 200, Haines City, FL High) but this prospect is going to flip a tough flip as James has a great relationship with Seminoles coaches.

“I love the environment at Florida State,” James said. “I like that it’s a home feeling up there and that I have a good relationship with those coaches. I like Coach Jimbo Fisher too. It would take a lot to get me away from Florida State.”

Despite being solid to Florida State and loving Tallahassee at the moment, James says he has a few teams that are giving him something to think about in his recruitment.

“Florida, UCF, Louisville, Ohio State are all coming after me hard but I’m solid to Florida State right now,” James said. “I’m going to keep my options open to other teams even though I’m committed.”

The Gators were able to get James to visit for junior day and Muschamp has been selling James on playing for the head coach himself.

“Florida wants me bad,” James said. “They tell me all the time that they need me and that I can make an impact early. Coach (Will) Muschamp says he coaches the safeties so I would have the head coach as my position coach so it would be a good experience.”

James likes the fact that Muschamp who’s the head coach could also be his position coach if he chooses to play in Gainesville for Florida.

“It’s good to have the head coach as your position coach because he’s the boss,” James said. “He’s the guy who calls all of the shots so it would be a good experience and we already have a good relationship so I wouldn’t have to worry about my relationship with my position coach.”

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.