On December 15th of 2021, just 17 days after Billy Napier was hired at Florida, the Gators received a commitment from consensus four-star linebacker Shemar James. The Mobile, Alabama native pledged to Florida over Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, Florida State, and many others.
James wouldn’t arrive in Gainesville until May 31st, opting not to enroll early for spring football.
Despite joining the team for just summer workouts and fall camp, James played in all 13 games at linebacker as a true freshman, totaling 47 tackles (18 solo) two sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery across 368 snaps.
James’ tackling grade of 76.9 ranked fifth on the Gators’ defense amongst players with 100+ snaps, according to PFF.
Florida’s linebacker unit struggled mightily in coverage last season, but James was the best of the bunch, posting a coverage grade of 62.6, which ranked first amongst Gators’ linebackers.
James only had 27 snaps of pass rush, but his grade of 76.2 ranked fourth on the Gators’ defense.
Physically, James looks to be in much better shape through the first two weeks of spring football than he did at any point last season.
“First of all Shemar was not a mid-year player last year so he really showed up there late May, early June,” Billy Napier said. “So he’s made even more progress I think year one to year two, so, not only mentally I think out there as a football player but I think no question physically, really bought into the nutrition, recovery, strength and conditioning. Our whole performance team I think has done a really good job so far and we set goals in the beginning relative to body composition, dexter two to dexter three. We’ll find out where he’s at at the end of the semester, but I think he’s done a nice job.”
Strength and conditioning coach Mark Hocke had high praise for James’ effort in the weight room, conditioning, and the offseason workout program.
“If I had to come up with one guy that you know is a tremendous example to his teammates, that would be Shemar James,” Hocke said. “You know he was just a pup last year. He learned from two great leaders in Ventrell Miller and Amari Burney. And now I think he’s stepping into year two. He has a better understanding of the offseason program and season expectations and he’s got a chance to flash.”
James was one of six Gators to clean 335 pounds this offseason.
“We had six guys clean 335 pounds,” Hocke said. “Austin Barber, Cam Carroll, Cam Jackson, Shemar James, Desmond Watson and Miguel Mitchell. That’s pretty impressive to have that man. That’s elite. That’s elite.”
Down two pounds from 2022, James sits at 6-1, 228 pounds on Florida’s February 27th roster update. There may not have been a big shift in weight, but James put on plenty of muscle during the offseason, making himself a strong candidate for a starting job in his sophomore campaign.