Shemar James on His Improvement, Florida’s New-Look Linebacking Corps and the 2023 Season

Shemar James is poised to be a star in his second season with the Gators. The young linebacker spoke after practice Tuesday about his growth, the new look linebacking corps and his outlook on next season.

A “Whole Different Player”

James said that he “became a whole different player” over the course of the 2022 season. While it wasn’t the season the Gators were hoping for, James grew both on and off the field. On the field, James said that the game felt a lot faster than high school, and during the Utah game said he was just getting his “feet wet.”

“As the season went on, I got a lot more comfortable,” he said.

By the time of the bowl game, James said he felt like a totally different player than he was at the beginning of the season.

Off the field; however, is where he improved the most. His biggest improvement, in his opinion, was the growth in his communication. Former Gators Ventrell Miller and Amari Burney, and inside linebackers coach Jay Bateman all helped James grow as a communicator and leader in his freshman year. He said that he learned a lot from the extra film study he did with his coaches.

“Take a picture of the play before the ball’s snapped,” is a phrase used by Bateman that James applies to his mindset on film study.

James has also improved in the weight room. One of his priorities this offseason was to cut down on fat and gain muscle, and he’s succeeded. He measures in at 6-foot-1 and a lean 228 pounds. His strength has vastly improved, as he’s gone from cleaning 225 Ibs to 335 this spring.

New Look Linebackers

James said it has been a productive spring for the inside linebackers, despite the loss of two big-name starters. Miller and Burney both left the program after leading the defense in 2022, meaning the linebacker group will look much different this year. James said he had a lot of fun and learned a lot from the seniors who are now gone, but he’s excited for the new-look Gators defense.

The linebackers room is still in good hands under the veteran leadership of upperclassmen Derek Wingo and Teradja Mitchell. James raved about Wingo, saying he brings energy, leads the locker room and is an “on-field coach.” He also complemented Mitchell’s leadership, saying that the Ohio State transfer brings experience to a room that lost a lot.

Another Gator linebacker who will see more of the field this year is sophomore Scooby Williams. The versatile linebacker can play multiple positions and “do it all,” according to James.

“I’m glad to be playing next to Scoob. I’d hate to play against him,” James said.

Along with new players, Florida’s defense will get a boost with new defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong entering the program. James spoke positively about Armstrong’s energy and knowledge.

Bouncing back in ’23

“We could have done a lot more,” James said about last season.

Despite growing personally, Florida felt disappointed with last year’s lackluster 6-7 record. He and the rest of the team are going “110%” heading into next season.

Despite Florida’s losing record, transferring from UF never crossed his mind. He said he committed to Florida because of the players, the gameday environment and the family atmosphere of the program.

“No, not at all,” he responded when asked if the portal was ever considered. “Nothing like The Swamp. I’m glad to be a Gator.”