Seminoles’ James playing fast, free

TALLAHASSEE — FSU safety Derwin James isn’t playing mistake-free football, but he is playing freely.

That is all coach Jimbo Fisher can ask of the true freshman for now.

James’ role increased steadily in the past month before getting his first career start Saturday against Louisville. James finished with six tackles and forced a fumble on a sack in FSU’s 41-21 victory while regularly exhibiting the athleticism and tenacity that made him one of the country’s top-rated prep prospects. However, he was also out of position on a few plays. “He’s learning to not play hesitant. Playing fast,” Fisher said. “And he made some mistakes. Some of them, there’s mistakes and you can’t see. But sometimes he’ll play so hard he’ll overcome them or somebody else will.

“Everything’s not perfect but his adjustments, his ability to blitz, tackling in space. I mean, he’s emerging into the kind of football player we thought he could be.”

James should remain in the starting lineup, especially given FSU’s injury woes at safety. Trey Marshall (torn biceps) is out and Nate Andrews is still limited by a deep bone bruise on his knee.

FSU starting linebacker Terrance Smith has missed the past two games with a sprained ankle, but he could return sooner than later according to Fisher.

Fisher said Smith is still “day-to-day” with the injury but sees him steadily progressing.

Next game: No. 9 FSU at Georgia Tech, 7 p.m. Saturday, ESPN2