Interview: Florida 2021 WR Semaj James Already Has Seven Offers and Counting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The future is extremely bright for Class of 2021 receiver Semaj James. The 6-3, 185-pound, target is just scratching the surface of his game with Tallahassee’s Leon High School, and college football coaches have taken notice. Seven Division-I offers have been extended to James by Florida Atlantic, Syracuse, Toledo, Northern Illinois, Virginia Tech, Florida and Miami with top interest growing. To learn more about his game and quickly growing recruiting prospects, I sat down with James for an exclusive interview.
Interview
Semaj, how did the 2018 season go for you on the field?
“It was good. We had some ups and downs, but we struggled but we got through it and got better.”
What type of offense do the Lions run?
“We run a spread.”
How are you used within the offensive scheme?
“We run a good rotation. I am on the outside, they use me as a big receiver. They have me go up and get it and throw to me on posts and go-routes.”
Which areas of your game really took a big step forward during your sophomore season?
“My speed and my hands. I dropped only one ball all season. My route running got a lot better this year.”
Are there aspects to your game that might get overlooked because those strengths do not show up on the stat sheet?
“My leadership.”
What are you working on with your game this offseason?
“I am working on getting stronger, bigger, and faster.”
Are you playing 7v7 ball this offseason?
“Yes, sir. I am playing with Rat Pack out of Orlando.”
How will that help improve your game?
“Their coach has talked to me about the connections and exposure, and how physical they are. They have a straight dog style of play. I like that.”
Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?
“Georgia, LSU, Purdue, Florida State, Louisville, Western Michigan, Wake Forest, Maryland, Oregon, and South Carolina.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have seven offers.”
Have you visited any schools yet?
“Yes. I have visited FAU, FSU, and LSU.”
How did the LSU visit go?
“It went great. I talked to the player director of recruiting while I was there. I had some good talks while I was there. I got to see the college campus, stadium, and facility.”
Which game day weekend was your visit?
“I went there for Mississippi State game.”
What about FSU, how did that go?
“It was good. I was there for their game against the Gators, it was crazy.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“Of course. I want to visit Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, FSU again, FAU, Florida, and Miami . I definitely want to visit Miami. Coach (Ron) Dugans (co-offensive coordinator) and Coach (Todd) Hartley (tight ends) talk to me a lot.”
Do you play any other sports for Leon?
“Yes, sir. Basketball.”
Last question. What is your favorite Christmas movie?
“(Laughs) “That’s tough. I’m not a Christmas movie guy but if I had to pick, I’d pick “The Grinch”.”
Semaj, thanks for your time today and good luck with your basketball season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: James family; Semaj James at FAU and Miami