College Football

FSU Football: Top 3 Scenarios If Derwin James Misses Louisville Game

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:57 p.m. ET

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Nov 14, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State University defensive back Derwin James (3) before the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

FSU football talented safety Derwin James injured his knee in Saturday’s 52-8 win over Charleston Southern. The extent of the injury isn’t known at this time, but he’s scheduled to have a MRI either today or Monday.

A lot of FSU fans are concerned, and rightfully so since James is arguable the best safety in the country.

However, it’s not the end of the world because of the depth FSU has in its secondary. In fact, FSU cross trains players all the time in the event injuries occur.

Now, if this was DeMarcus Walker, it would be a whole different ball game because of the lack of depth at the defensive end position.

Let’s take a look at the possible secondary combinations in the event James has to miss one or more games.

Dec 31, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detailed view of Florida State Seminoles helmet on the sidelines before a game against the Houston Cougars in the 2015 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Combo #1

The most likely scenario would be for A.J. Westbrook to step into Derwin James’s role as free safety.

Westbrook has been listed behind James on the latest depth chart after fall camp was completed. He saw most of his time on special teams as a true freshman, but missed a lot games due to injuries.

He’s 6’0 and now likely close to 190 pounds or more. He isn’t Derwin James by any means, but he’s a talented defensive back nonetheless.

Westbrook came to FSU as a composite three star recruit, and the No. 23 safety in the country.

The bench press isn’t a great measurement of overall strength, but anytime a defensive back can hoist up 405 pounds you know that’s a lot of weight.

Coming out of high school, Westbrook was praised for his ball hawking skills and ability to break up plays.

Westbrook replacing James would leave Trey Marshall at the strong safety position.

Nov 30, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles cornerback Marquez White (27) works out prior to the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Combo #2

Another combination that’s possible would be senior Marquez White playing the safety position. He practiced at safety a few times in fall camp, and has a lot of experience.

They could put White in Derwin’s role at free safety, or move Trey Marshall there and put White in Marshall’s role. The latter may allow the secondary to have better coverage skills, as Marshall hasn’t been the best in that area.

However, this would mean that either Marcus Lewis would have to play White’s role as the field cornerback, or Malique Jackson.

I would think Lewis is the more likely player in this scenario even though Jackson is listed behind White as the field corner reserve. Lewis battled Tavarus McFadden for the boundary corner position all fall.

Lewis is already on the field a ton, and teammates have lauded his abilities all during spring and fall camp.

Sep 10, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminole cheerleaders celebrate a first half score against Charleston Southern at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports

Combo #3

A lot of fans don’t realize it, but Marcus Lewis can play both cornerback and safety. That’s one of the big reasons why landing him on National Signing Day in 2015 was so huge.

Lewis stands at 6’1 and near 200 pounds, and is a physical player in the ‘Noles secondary. The staff could play him in Derwin’s position and leave Marshall in his strong safety position.

This would likely allow the most continuity in the secondary because it would involve all the players currently getting the most snaps with the least amount of changes.

That of course depends on if they all know the calls and keys in the secondary, which is another reason why the staff cross trains players so much.

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Tarvarus McFadden (4) celebrates with Florida State Seminoles linebacker Dontavious Jackson (5) after a interception in the fourth quarter at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles won 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Conclusion

At this time we have no idea what the status is for Derwin James. Although he limped off the field and was carted off to the locker room, his body language didn’t suggest he thought it was a major injury.

Again, we’re all just speculating this point.

There’s no question that James is one of the leaders on this defense, and one of the best players in the country.

However, it’s not the end of the world if he has to miss a game or two. I’d much rather him miss the Louisville game than the Clemson game.

The reason for that is the accuracy of Deshaun Watson. I know everyone thinks Lamar Jackson is all world right now. However, Watson is a much more dangerous passer than Louisville’s Lamar Jackson while still being able to run the ball.

So take a deep breath ‘Noles fans, the FSU secondary will be OK IF Derwin James has to miss a game or two.