Shemar James
Shemar James is an American professional football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National [Football League]. He played college football for the Florida Gators and was selected by the Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft.
James attended the Faith Academy in Mobile, Alabama. As a junior, he recorded 70 tackles with 17 going for a loss, and seven sacks, while on offense he rushed for 268 yards and five touchdowns and made 35 receptions for 473 yards and eight touchdowns. Coming out of high school, James was rated as a four-star recruit, the 2nd best linebacker, and the 18th overall prospect in the class of 2022. James committed to play college football for the Florida Gators over Alabama.
As a freshman in 2022, James played in all 13 games earning four starts where he totaled 47 tackles with two going for a loss, two sacks, a fumble recovery, and a forced fumble. In the 2023 season opener, he tallied 13 tackles versus 2023 [Utah Utes football team|Utah]. Before Florida's week 9 matchup versus 2023 [Georgia Bulldogs football team|Georgia], James suffered a season-ending knee injury. During the 2023 season, James notched 55 tackles with five and a half being for a loss, and a sack in eight games. In the 2024 season James recorded his first interception against rival Miami.
Professional career
James was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 152nd pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft.