Fisher: DB James can thrive in any position
TALLAHASSEE — Florida State safety
has been lauded throughout his career for his ability to play a variety of roles on defense.
But what about playing on the other side of the ball?
Whether the Seminoles unleash James on offense, particularly in the season opener against Alabama in Atlanta on Sept. 2, remains to be seen.
But that’s not to say doesn’t have a few offensive plays drawn up for his standout defender.
“Yeah, he could do that,” Fisher said Tuesday of James on offense. “He could go out there and run, catch a pass, run a reverse. “He could do anything.” As James enters his third season with early Heisman Trophy and NFL firstround hype, Fisher may want to get James on the field in different opportunities to capitalize on his talent and athleticism.
Along with being the leader of FSU’s secondary, James has lined up as a pass rusher and linebacker in certain defensive sets.
James certainly has no objections about lining up on offense.
“Oh, yeah. Of course,” James said when asked about the possibility. “I love the ball. If Coach wants to put it in hands, I’m going to take care of it.”
James played only seven quarters of football last season after tearing the meniscus in his left knee. He was a full participant in spring practice last April, and is looking forward to beginning the season next month.
“It’s great. I was happy to be out there with my team,” James said after Tuesday’s first fall practice.
“I’m just anxious for the first game. I’m ready to get out there.”
During the ACC Kickoff last month, Fisher repeatedly praised starting quarterback
an Orlando Olympia High product, for the relationship he has cultivated with teammates during the offseason.
Fisher has said Francois’ winning demeanor is rubbing off on his teammates.
And the Seminoles now have the utmost confidence in their quarterback heading into the season.
“If he gets the ball at the end of the game, he can win the game,” Fisher said of Francois.
Besides five-star running back no freshman has more excitement surrounding his arrival on campus that five-star newcomer who was regarded as the nation’s top defensive tackle by 247Sports.com last year.
When Fisher was asked if Wilson could break through FSU’s loaded defensivetackle group, headlined by senior and redshirt juniors
and
Fisher gave a sly response.
Wilson has to “play better than the guy in front of [him],” Fisher said, adding if the incoming freshmen are able to contribute, “We’ll play them.”
ESPN and Peach Bowl officials officially announced College GameDay will kick off the season live in Atlanta for the AlabamaFlorida State game on Sept. 2.
The show, which airs from 9 a.m. to noon, will be held at International Plaza, outside of the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
FSU and Alabama kick off at 8 p.m.
Chick-fil-A Kickoff officials believe the matchup could be the greatest season-opener of all time if both teams are paired at No. 1 and 2 in preseason rankings, set to be released later this month.
The Crimson Tide and the Seminoles are the two winningest programs in the country since 2010 and own five of the last eight national championships. will