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Florida State football, recruiting news: Is Derwin James the most irreplaceable player in college football?

Your daily dose of Florida State football, recruiting and other sports news.

NCAA Football: Mississippi at Florida State Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Football:

The Seminoles already know what it’s like to be without James, and it ain’t easy. A true freshman star in 2015, James played nearly every defensive position for Florida State in a year where it finished ninth nationally in points allowed. Last year, James suffered a season-ending injury in Week 2. From that point on the Seminoles allowed 25.7 points per game, which would’ve ranked the team 48th nationally for the entire season. There are other factors that impacted the defensive drop off from 2015 to 2016 (like a lack of quality linebacker depth), but there’s no question Florida State’s defense is significantly less flexible without James. The junior is the most versatile player in college football, and his skill set cannot be replaced.

I think FSU is a playoff team this year, so OVER. However, a week one loss to Alabama is probably likely, Home dates with Miami, State, and Louisville are all at least a little tricky, and then they play Clemson on the road. Drop two to the CFP finalists and one of the three home games, and I’m steering you wrong. Eh. Still, over.

Recruiting:

Other Sports:

  • Florida State baseball arrived in Omaha and will play its first game on Saturday vs. LSU.
  • Some former Seminoles and coaches from other sports at the school chimed in with their support.