FSU’s Derwin James (sort of) throws out the first pitch for the LA Angels

Derwin James was a unique treat to cover while he was a safety for the Florida State football team. In addition to always being a straightforward interviewee, James was a dedicated Seminole who could play all over the field. He could lower the boom from his traditional safety spot, had the quickness to cover as a corner, possessed the range and intelligence to man the linebacker spot, and famously humiliated opposing offensive linemen as an edge rusher.

That impressive dexterity helped James become the first-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2018 NFL Draft, a steal for the Bolts at the 17th overall pick. And as much as freakish athletes like James routinely humble us, it remains somewhat reassuring to see that these guys are still human. To that point, James recently shelved his Superman attire and went straight-up Clark Kent when delivering the first pitch for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Despite his status as a first-round pick, perhaps the biggest steal in the draft, and the new owner of a Rolls Royce, James’ humility remains intact, as he posted the video included below on his Instagram feed.

In James’ defense, his direction was pretty solid, but he happened to bounce it, as do so many who opt to throw from the mound— but I just can’t see him taking a few steps in, as athletes of other sports are often encouraged to do. That’s just not James’ style. But hey, LA does have a pair of MLB teams. Who knows, maybe he’ll get another shot with the Dodgers. If he does, I have a hard time seeing that pitch coming up anywhere short of the plate.