Florida State Seminoles

FSU Football: What Derwin James' Absence Means For The Defense

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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With Derwin James likely missing several games for FSU football following surgery on his knee, we break down what it means for the rest of the defense.

It was the moment that kept FSU football fans holding their collective breath for the last 48 hours. Monday, the news was finally revealed from head coach Jimbo Fisher regarding star safety and team leader Derwin James.

James went down with an apparent knee injury during the third quarter of Saturday’s blowout win over Charleston Southern. There has been plenty of back and forth over why James was still in the game with the Seminoles up 42-6 over their FCS opponent.

It was the most eagerly anticipated moment of his weekly press conference as Fisher dropped the news that the All-American candidate would be out this week against Louisville and likely for several more games – but it could have been worse:

Now that we know what the situation is going to be as the ‘Noles take on Lamar Jackson and the Louisville Cardinals this weekend, here are the three things it means for the Seminoles’ defense when they hit the road Saturday.

Sep 10, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive tackle Demarcus Christmas (90) celebrates a fumble recovery at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1 – The ‘Noles defensive line and linebackers now much take over in containing Jackson

With the secondary taking an admitted hit with the loss of their star, the front seven of the Seminoles is going to have to pace that side as ball for as long as Ramsey is out. Namely, it’s going to be on the defensive line of DeMarcus Walker, Derrick Nnadi, Josh Sweat and others to keep Jackson in check as much as possible and at least take away one aspect of his game.

The good thing that did come out of Saturday’s blowout win was the fact that plenty of young stars got serious playing time and won’t have complete ‘deer in the headlights’ looks when they take the field in Louisville, especially five star defensive end recruit Brian Burns.

Sep 10, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Charleston Southern Buccaneers quarterback Robert Mitchell (10) tries to escape the defensive pressure of Florida State Seminoles linebacker Matthew Thomas (6) and defensive back Trey Marshall (20) after having his helmet ripped off in the first half of action at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2 – Changes are coming in the secondary for the next few weeks

Now that James is on the sidelines for a while, who is going to step into his spot? Will Nate Andrews be healthy enough? What about A.J. Westbrook, Marcus Lewis or Trey Marshall? Each one of them brings a component that James has, but not one of them is the same player who has it all in one.

This week of practice might be the most important of the Jimbo Fisher era to see what players will be able to step up for a secondary that will likely look completely different from anything we have seen so far in 2016.

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) fumbles the ball after being hit by Florida State Seminoles defensive end DeMarcus Walker (44) in the third quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

No. 3 – It is now DeMarcus Walker’s unit to lead without question

Together, Waker and James combined to be that dual threat of leadership in both the front and back of the defense. Now that the sophomore sensation is sidelined for likely a few games, the senior from Jacksonville will be the one that all eyes will be on from this point on.

Arguably the best defensive lineman in both the ACC and quite possible the entire country, Walker has already made his name this season with 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles through two games. He won’t get the 27 sacks he is on pace for, but his numbers guarantee that when he speaks, the rest of the Seminoles will listen.