Gators signing watch: Shemar James

One of the Gators biggest targets going into signing day is linebacker Shemar James. James heads into the day the number 7 overall linebacker and 64th ranked overall recruit. Currently the highest rated commit to the Florida Gators is Chris McClellan, who is ranked 100 overall in this year’s class and is the only commit inside the top 200 for Florida.

It’s a three headed dog race for Shemar James on signing day. James is from Alabama, and it is a tall task to pry away a high in-state prospect away from Nick Saban. The other “dawg” in the race is Georgia, and they bring a lot to the table as they boasted the best defense in college football in 2021.

James is the type of athlete you’d be looking for in the modern college games. A superb athlete, he played both sides of the ball in high school as running back and receiver. He can be utilized many ways out of the linebacker position as he is extremely quick. He can drop back into coverage and make a play, or he can use his physicality to blow up the ball carrier.

In Billy Napier’s introductory press conference, he pitched the ideas of playing a physical brand of football. Earlier into signing day he seems to be sticking to his word, as he has signed some monster athletes on both sides of the ball. Shemar James would bring a nice balance to his defense with his multiple skillsets. The ability to not only be physical but to be fast as well is extremely important in this conference. The SEC is home to some of the best “freak” athletes in all of college football. Just look at those running backs coming through Alabama! They’re huge, physical, fast, and determined. The Gators need to get bigger at every defensive position to match-up against teams like that. I’m sure Napier Is aware of that with his time in Tuscaloosa.

James is set to sign his letter of intent today at 6 PM EST. Let’s see if Napier can snag an early holiday present for himself.