Healthy for 2024, Florida Football's Shemar James likes Gators linebacker room
![Florida Gators linebacker Shemar James (6) looks at the quarterback during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, October 28, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4041,h_2273,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2F213%2F01j3ajmycfd1tpgha9fz.jpg "Florida Gators linebacker Shemar James (6) looks at the quarterback during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, October 28, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]")
Florida Football linebacker Shemar James enters his junior season with a focus on self-improvement and leadership. James, who had his 2023 season cut short with a knee injury, spoke with reporters this week at SEC Media Days about his goals for the upcoming season and the impact of newcomers on the team.
James highlighted his desire to become a stronger leader, both vocally and through his work ethic. He emphasized the importance of taking it "one day at a time" and instilled this mentality in younger teammates.
The linebacker room received a boost in the offseason with a combination of transfers and freshmen added to the mix. James praised their skill set and believes they'll complement the leadership of veterans like himself. James also credited new linebackers coach Ron Roberts for his experience and positive influence.
""It improved a lot with skill set, I would say, 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.""
- Shemar James
James had his 2023 season cut short when he injured his knee on the awful turf in Jacksonville. By all accounts James is healed and ready to go for 2024 and he touched upon what his mindset was during his rehab process.
""You know, injuries can draw some guys away from the team, and I believe some guys consume themselves too much with football. That's what they become. I would stay just staying around the team, encouraging the guys each and every week, each and every opponent we may have.""
- Shemar James
As has been brought up 157 times this offseason, Florida has a tough schedule in 2024. James acknowledged the excitement of facing new competition like Texas. But he says Florida is focused on the immediate opponent, emphasizing the team's "one game at a time" approach, a similar theme Billy Napier emphasized during his media sessions.
The Gators will open their season on August 31 against Miami.
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