Shemar James is coming back to Mobile, and this time it’s not just to visit family—it’s to make a statement at The Reese’s Senior Bowl. The former Faith Academy star, who became one of the SEC’s most dominant linebackers during his time at Florida, has a chance to boost his draft stock in front of NFL scouts and coaches while playing in front of his hometown. Shemar will be part of the second and largest junior class at the Senior Bowl this year as well.
OFFICIAL! LB Shemar James @Shemarjames06 from @GatorsFB is heading to the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl!!! 👏👏👏 #GoGators #BestOfTheBest #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️@JimNagy_SB @PaniniAmerica #RatedRookie pic.twitter.com/L9fAiTs6cf
— Reese’s Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 7, 2025
James made an immediate impact at Florida, bursting onto the scene as a freshman with 47 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble. His sophomore year got off to another stellar start having 55 tackles in just 8 games before it was cut short due to a knee injury that would require season-ending surgery.
Despite this setback, he showed extreme resilience by bouncing back in 2024, recording 64 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception, leading Florida’s defense to their first winning season since Billy Napier took over as head coach topping it off with a 33-8 bowl game victory over Tulane. He also received the honor of being SEC Defensive Player of the Week this year when they upset LSU 27-16.
🏈 SEC Defensive Player of the Week: WK 12
🐊 Shemar James@GatorsFB x #SECFB pic.twitter.com/flBfib4jlT
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) November 18, 2024
Now, Shemar has the opportunity to take his game to the next level. The Senior Bowl isn’t just another college football all-star game—it’s the showcase for draft prospects looking to climb up draft boards. The mantra “The Draft Starts in Mobile” rings incredibly true based on how many Senior Bowl players were drafted in 2024’s NFL Draft. If Shemar can continue his stellar play in Senior Bowl practices against the other elite talent coming down to Mobile in a few short weeks his draft stock is sure to rise.
For Mobile, it’s always special to see one of our own come back and continue making a name for themselves. For Shemar, it’s a chance to show everyone why he belongs at the next level. This isn’t just a homecoming—it’s the first step into his NFL career.
