James attended high school at Faith Academy. In his junior season, James recorded 70 tackles with 17 going for a loss, and seven sacks, while on offense he rushed for 268 yards and five touchdowns, while also hauling in 35 receptions for 473 yards and eight touchdowns.[1] Coming out of high school, James was rated as a four star recruit, the 2nd best linebackers, and the 18th overall prospect in the class of 2022.[2] James decided to commit to play college football for the Florida Gators over Alabama.[3][4]
College career
James finished his freshman season with the Gators in 2022, playing in all thirteen games earning four starts where he totaled 47 tackles with two going for a loss, two sacks, a fumble recovery, and a forced fumble.[5] In week one of the 2023 season, James tallied 13 tackles versus the Utah Utes.[6] Before Florida's week nine matchup versus Georgia, James suffered a season ending knee injury.[7][8] During the 2023 season, James played in eight games notching 55 tackles with five and a half being for a loss, and a sack.[9] In the 2024 season James recorded his first interception, and it was against a rival, Miami.[10]