A trend that gained significant traction in 2016 is beginning to gain a further foothold in 2017.
Derwin James revealed on his Instagram account Tuesday that, as expected, he will be leaving Florida State early and making himself available for the 2018 NFL draft. The star defensive back also confirmed that he will not participate in FSU’s bowl game.
James had played it coy about whether or not he would play in the Independence Bowl against Southern Miss, saying over the weekend that he was “still talking it over with my family and some of my teammates.” Head coach Jimbo Fisher‘s departure for the same job at Texas A&M is believed to have played a significant role in the decision, as did an injury last season that ultimately cost him 11 games.On to the next chapter of my life I will be entering the 2018 NFL Draft and will not participate in the bowl game, FOREVER NOLE NATION #dj3
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James is widely considered one of the top defensive players at any position in the country, and was named first-team All-ACC following the 2017 regular season. He’s widely expected to be one of the first 15 players taken in the April draft.