Shemar James

Owns the requisite size and frame, accompanied by an impressive athletic profile, for a modern off-ball linebacker prospect. Extensive experience playing both ways with snaps at running back, receiver, and multiple spots on defense. Functional athleticism flashes on tape. Excellent pursuit ability with closing speed that fosters chase-down athleticism, whether patrolling to the perimeter or accelerating from the back side. Good ball skills for a linebacker projection. Capable of playing forward as a traditional 'backer or dropping into space thanks to combination of physicality and fluidity. Multi-sport profile with limited track and field reps. Ran an 11.67 100 as a junior and competed in a few different events as a sophomore. Missed several games of senior season with an ankle injury. Physical player who tackles well but will still need to add some mass to combat size and run-game traffic waiting at the P5 level. Could be asked to more often play backward than forward so honing coverage technique will be key. Profile that includes two-way snaps and track and field projects particularly well at the linebacker position. High-major prospect who could become a multi-year impact starter with a long-term ceiling in the top half of the NFL Draft.