Florida Gators LB recruitment is complete Shemar James even with a relentless effort from Alabama to secure the world-class linebacker.
On Friday night, the Faith Academy (Ala.) Linebacker officially ceased recruiting, telling AllGators that he had “no plans” to make further visits, including his college program in Alabama.
The Crimson Tide has tried many times to get James onto campus despite his involvement in Florida. Both Defensive Coordinator / Inside Linebackers Coach Pete Golding and Outside Linebackers Coach Sal Sunseri were the main coaches who had contact with the young recruit.
Although he knows Alabama will continue to recruit him until he officially signs with the Gators, it is Florida for James and it will stay that way: “Shut down”.
At the start of the day, James attended the Friday Night Lights event in Florida and showcased his talent in front of coaches, family, friends and teammates alike.
It would be James’ first opportunity to showcase his work to Florida coaches since signing up for the program in June this year. This time the feeling was different, James said Friday night, there is no more pressure.
“I felt so much more comfortable,” said James. “How to know that I made a commitment, to know this will be my home next fall. I mean, it was really just relaxing. “
Given the performance James had during the event, it was clear that he was cool, calm, and collected as he did the exercises. During the latter part of the event, James and other linebackers competed in coverage against the tight ends and running backs.
For James, routinely playing in his opponent’s waist pocket, diverting and disrupting routes on the way to a successful replay was not a big problem.
After a few reps during the session, James was able to meet up with Florida LB trainer Christian Robinson, who was training the future Florida linebacker on the subtle aspects of his game. It was the first time that the two of them were able to meet on the grid as players and coaches.
“He makes you understand,” James said of Robinson’s coaching style. “Everything he says, he’s always focused on the little details … those little details will get you a long way.”
Robinson trained James on the reps he lost, but also on the reps he won. Small details like staying more inside, looking at the hips of the receiver and attacking the running backs on the line of scrimmage. These kinds of details can move a gamer from good to great.
James expects to play numerous positions in Florida defense, be it the MONEY linebacker spot and sometimes even the STAR nickel corner, much like Senior LB. Amari Burney.
Being able to only play in one spot and not focus on wide receivers or other positions while at Faith Academy excites James, and he knows that just doing that can make him better.
Ultimately, it was nice for James to just get back on campus, he said, and it was almost as if the coaches had known him for a long time.
“It was just beautiful. Back on campus, talking to the coach [Dan] Mullen, trainer C-Rob, trainer [Chase] Clark, it felt good to know that I was involved. “
And he will remain committed.
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