The Florida Gators have had success over the years pulling top tier linebackers from the state of Alabama. So far the Gators have landed the likes of Mohamoud Diabate and Jeremiah Williams in previous class and kept their steak alive in the 2022 cycle by landing a commitment from Mobile (AL) Faith Academy four-star linebacker Shemar James. The Top247 defender is coming off an official visit to UF over the course of the weekend.
The Gators are high on James athletic ability at the linebacker position and see him being able to play multiple spots. With the Gators looking to utilize his skillset, James is high on their plan for him in the future.
“In order for me to play in the NFL I need to show people that I can do multiple things besides stop the run,” he told Swamp247. “Florida is going to put me in the position to make plays and show that I can run stop and cover”
Florida linebackers coach Christian Robinson and assistant director of player personnel Chase Clark played big parts in this addition.
“The bonds I have with Coach Clark and Coach Rob are really important to me. I want to have a bond with my position coach since he will be the one coaching me. He would be the reason why I get on the field, and I feel like the bond I have with him is unique.”
With James in the fold, the Gators commitment list currently sits at seven members. With the newly minted commitment of James, the Gators 2022 class consists of Houston (TX) Clear Lake four-star cornerback Julian Humphrey, Tampa (Fla.) King four-star offensive tackle Tony Livingston, Flower Mound (TX) four-star quarterback Nick Evers, Bufford (GA) four-star wide receiver Isaiah Bond, Miami (Fla.) Edison three-star defensive end Francois Nolton, and Tampa (Fla.) Berkeley Prep three-star tight end CJ Hawkins.
Below is 247Sports player evaluation on James:
James has a moldable frame with long limbs and an athletic build. A two-way high school player, James makes some high-level acrobatic plays as a wide receiver and wildcat quarterback on offense. At linebacker, James is a natural playmaker with elite closing ability and power upon contact. He’s extremely active and sniffs out plays before they happen with outstanding instincts. Possesses a great motor and tenacity to get to the action. Able to get around blocks with fluid agility and quickness in tight spaces. Accelerates to the ball and doesn’t wait for the play to come to him. Has the desired urgency and suddenness to beat blockers to the spot. Shows strength and power when he needs it. Very adept in coverage and takes excellent zone drops and angles. Very versatile in the way he can affect the line of scrimmage and get in the backfield on blitzes but also drop into coverage like a defensive back. Times his blitzes well and can shoot the A-gap. Accelerates from sideline to sideline.
247Sports currently ranks James as the Nation’s No. 118 overall prospect in the 2022 recruiting class and the No. 12 linebacker in the 2022 class.