After 6 months, injured James returns to field

TALLAHASSEE – Derwin James could barely hold back his smile.

As the Florida State football team began spring practice Monday, James returned to the field for his first practice with Seminoles in nearly six months.

And his left knee, which was surgically repaired for a torn meniscus last September, seems like an afterthought, with James opting to not wear a knee brace during practice.

“It felt great being back out here with my team,” said James, who suffered the injury in the second game of the 2016 season. “I haven’t played football in about [six] months, so it felt great to put the helmet on.”

James’ explosive play and presence could instrumental for the Florida State defense in 2017, looking for a new spiritual leader with defensive end DeMarcus Walker now pursuing an NFL career.

James’ absence was felt in each of FSU’s defeats last season, during which Louisville’s Lamar Jackson, Clemson’s Deshaun Watson and North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky shredded the Seminoles’ defense.

James said he felt fully recovered at the end of the season, but the months of January and February is when he “really, really” felt at 100 percent.

Being the tenacious, football-loving player he is, there were several times FSU’s medical staff had to temper James’ push to return.

“I remember the long days,” James said. “It was like an everyday thing where they just used to tell me, ‘No, no, no. Just take it day by day.’

“I’m happy I’m back out here now.”

He has also picked up a new role for the Seminoles, lining up to return punts on special teams.

“We put the ball with the guys that have the best hands, and the best ability to run with it,” FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said. “There are not many positions he can’t play.”

Added James, with another beaming smile: “I like the ball in my hands. I joke with Coach [Fisher] all the time like, ‘Coach, I can do something for the team that could help us.’ Coach is just giving me the opportunity.”

James said the most valuable lesson he learned during his time away from the sport is not to take anything for granted.

“Football is a gift,” James said. “I learned a lot from watching it. I just take it more seriously now and I’m working harder.”

When asked about opening the season against Alabama in September, James said he’s simply worried about focusing on the spring session.

But when asked about his urge to deliver his first hit on the football field, James could barely contain his grin once again.

“I’ve been waiting on that a lot,” James said. “I’ve been waiting on that, but it’ll come.”

AP FILE Defensive back Derwin James had surgery last September to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, which he injured during the second game of the 2016 season.