Junior linebacker Shemar James represented the Florida Gators at SEC Media Days for the first time in his career alongside quarterback Graham Mertz and Montrell Johnson. The 6’1, 235-pound linebacker has played in 21 games including 12 starts across two seasons in Gainesville.
James enters his third season as one of the leaders on Florida’s defense after a strong 2023 campaign, where he totaled 55 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and one sack in just eight games before a season-ending injury.
“Just getting stronger, becoming a better leader, better communicator on the field and just becoming a better overall linebacker,” James said on his improvements this offseason. “I would say I improved in my vocal skills, my leadership, and as a football player I would say my tackling.”
James believes the injury he suffered last season helped him focus on the leadership aspect of the game.
“It kinda helped me in this journey that I had with the surgery and the knee injury that I had, and I will say it allows you to see the game outside of the game. See how things function outside of being on the field,” James said. “Just coaching up the young guys, guys that maybe not be fully confident in their abilities. I would say that’s something that I focused on during my off-time.”
Florida’s linebacker unit will look different in 2024 with the additions of new players and leadership at the position.
“It improved a lot with skill set,” James said on the linebacker unit. “Bringing in Pup Howard and freshman like Myles Graham and Aaron Chiles. We bring in a lot of skill with a lot of vets in the room like myself, Derek Wingo and Ronald Moten. So I would say it’s improved skill wise and in leadership.”
The Gators hired former Auburn defensive coordinator Ron Roberts this offseason to serve as their linebackers coach, co-defensive coordinator, and executive head coach. Players have raved about the energy Roberts brings to the practice field on a daily basis.
“Coach Roberts has brought a lot of experience and I would say personality to the room and to the unit as a whole,” James said. “Coach Roberts comes in every day and works, instills in us to take it one day at a time and be intentional with your work.”
Shemar James is the rock in a linebacker unit that could rely on some younger players for significant snaps in 2024.