McFadden hitting his stride in camp

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State safety Derwin James is not the only starting defender making a return to action this season.

Standout cornerback Tarvarus McFadden, who led the nation with eight interceptions last season, is also back in action this fall after being sidelined after shoulder surgery earlier this year. McFadden did not participate in spring practice, rehabbing from his injury.

After the first week of fall practice, FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said McFadden is returning to form.

“I think early on, he did not trust himself and his conditioning after coming off the injury and getting back,” Fisher said after Tuesday’s practice. “But now he’s just getting better and better. He’s using his size and length. He flashed on a couple plays, and thought he made some really nice plays [Tuesday].”

During the spring, McFadden naturally itched to practice alongside his teammates. He said he relied on advice from James, who sat out most of last season with a torn meniscus.

“I’ve never been a guy that’s been hurt and sitting on the sideline watching my team practice while I can’t do anything,” McFadden said. “That really got to me and made me appreciate being on the field. I don’t ever want that to happen again.

“[James said,] ‘Imagine being in games and not being able to play.’ I only missed spring.”

Next game: FSU vs. Alabama (Atlanta), Sept. 2, 8 p.m., ABC