Two years ago, Florida football linebacker Shemar James was the fresh new face on defense, who rode the momentum of a strong fall camp into starting his first career game as a true freshman in The Swamp against Utah in 2022.
Fast forward two years later and the 6-foot-1, 230-pound James is now one of the old hats on the Florida Gators defense, ready to take on an important role heading into the 2024 season.
“Being more of a vocal leader,” James said. “I kind of came in thinking I’m going to lead by example but sometimes guys need to hear that you mean business.”
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James is taking part in spring drills in a non-contact jersey, four months after undergoing season-ending injury to repair a dislocated kneecap. The injury occurred before UF’s 43-20 loss on Oct. 28 against rival Georgia.
James should be back for full contact by the start of fall camp.
“I’m right on schedule with the recovery process,” James said. “I’m kind of just taking it slow, trying not to rush back and have that injury happen again.”
UF football’s defense struggled with Shemar James out
James was UF’s leading tackler at the time of the injury with 55, including 5.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack. In the four games without James, UF surrendered an average of 37 points and 219.5 rushing yards per game.
Overall, Florida lost five straight games to close the 2023 season, including four straight when James was on the sidelines. That, James says, has served for motivation going into the 2024 season.
“There’s definitely a different level of buy in when you walk in the weight room,” James said. “There’s guys that sit there and shirts tucked in, straps tied up. We’re ready to go and we’re ready to make a difference this year.”
Florida also spent the offseason revamping its defensive coaching staff under defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong, adding Will Harris as new secondary coach, Gerald Chatman as new defensive line coach and Ron Roberts as new linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator.
But James said the key to UF’s defensive turnaround will depend on the energy players provide.
“You can’t coach effort like Coach Armstrong says,” James said. “You just gotta want to. I feel like we have guys that’s ready to buy in and ready to give that effort each and every day.”
How Shemar James is trying to help UF football’s new linebackers
James said two new faces have stood out at linebacker, incoming freshman Myles Graham and sophomore South Carolina transfer Grayson “Pup” Howard. Both are candidates to start next to James next fall.
“I’m doing a lot of mentoring since I can’t physically be out there doing it,” James said. “So I’m coaching up Myles, Pup, those guys. Make sure that their swords are sharp.”
The 6-foot-4, 235-pound Howard is a bigger linebacker capable of stuffing the run.
“That helps a lot,” James said. “Being in the box, playing out in space. He’s got a unique build and I can’t wait to play with him.”
Derek Wingo and Mannie Nunnery are two more returning linebackers that add depth and experience to the position group that James will lead next fall.
“We have a group of guys that’s ready to learn, ready to get out there and apply what we learned in the film room,” James said. “So, I feel like there’s no egos in that room. It’s all guys that want to learn and get out there and ball.”
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida Gators football LB Shemar James ready to lead in 2024
