Safeties Derwin James and Nate Andrews are among 11 Florida State Seminoles football scholarship players who received a redshirt for the 2016 season.
James will enter the 2017 season as a redshirt sophomore instead of being listed as a junior after suffering a season-ending meniscus tear in Week 2 of last season.
James, a highly regarded prospect for the 2018 NFL draft, could join former quarterback Jameis Winston (2015) as the second redshirt sophomore to declare for the NFL draft in three seasons.
While James was rehabilitating the injury, Jimbo Fisher lightheartedly said last October James would not redshirt for the Seminoles. The extra redshirt year affords college athletes a fifth year of playing eligibility -- even if a player might not take advantage of the rule.
“He’s not staying for a fifth year anyway,” Fisher said with a smile while the possibility lingered for James to return last season. “You hope he stays for a fourth.”
James ultimately did not play for FSU after suffering the left knee injury. His return to action is one of the major storylines surrounding the Seminoles, who begin spring practice on March 6. FSU’s spring game will be on April 8 in Doak Campbell Stadium.
Andrews, a senior whose season ended after a torn pectoral muscle, received a medical redshirt to return for a fifth season.
A school spokesman confirmed their standing to the Orlando Sentinel on Monday.
Fisher said the school would implore the situation for Andrews, who is now listed as a redshirt senior on FSU’s updated 2017-18 roster.
Florida State freshman forward Jonathan Isaac speaks after the Seminoles' win over NC State on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2016.
Florida State freshman forward Jonathan Isaac speaks after the Seminoles' win over NC State on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2016.
Florida State freshman forward Jonathan Isaac speaks after the Seminoles' win over NC State on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2016.
Florida State freshman forward Jonathan Isaac speaks after the Seminoles' win over NC State on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2016.
Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton talks about NC State standout guard Dennis Smith Jr. on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, a day before both teams play at the Donald L. Tucker Center in Tallahassee.
Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton talks about NC State standout guard Dennis Smith Jr. on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, a day before both teams play at the Donald L. Tucker Center in Tallahassee.
Florida State guard Dwayne Bacon speaks to media after a 109-61 win over Clemson on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017.
Florida State guard Dwayne Bacon speaks to media after a 109-61 win over Clemson on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017.
Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton speaks to media after a 109-61 win over Clemson on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017.
Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton speaks to media after a 109-61 win over Clemson on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017.
FSU came out on top while UCF turned in a solid effort. Florida rallied and USF made a huge comback from the bottom of the ladder.
FSU came out on top while UCF turned in a solid effort. Florida rallied and USF made a huge comback from the bottom of the ladder.
Nine other players expected to receive a redshirt for 2016 before next season:
-Wide receiver George Campbell, a former five-star prospect, will be a redshirt sophomore after missing all of last season with a core muscle injury. His return will also bode well for a position group missing leading receiver Travis Rudolph, who is entering the 2017 NFL draft.
-Linebacker Sh’Mar Kilby-Lane will be redshirt sophomore after being declared academically ineligible last season.
-Seven players will play as redshirt freshman in 2017: Defensive end Janarius Robinson, defensive tackle Cedric Wood, and offensive linemen Baveon Johnson, Andrew Boselli, Mike Arnold, Jauan Williams and Josh Ball.
Notable players NOT eligible for a redshirt:
-Offensive lineman Landon Dickerson, whose season ended with an ACL injury, will be a sophomore. He started seven games for the Seminoles last season.
-Running back Amir Rasul, who ended last season with an arm injury, will be a sophomore next season. He played in seven games last season.
-Defensive back Marcus Lewis, whose season was cut short with a hip injury, will be a junior. He played in eight games last season.
-Linebacker Emmert Rice will be a sophomore after playing 11 games last season, mostly on special teams.
-Tight end Naseir Upshur will be a sophomore after appearing in six games last season.
-Offensive lineman Ethan Frith will be a junior after appearing in four games last season.
Email Safid Deen at sdeen@orlandosentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Safid_Deen and @osfsu. Also, like our Florida State Facebook page for the latest updates on the Seminoles.
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