Billy Napier, Florida, surge late to land 4-star LB Shemar James

Over the weekend, Mobile (Ala.) Faith Academy linebacker Shemar James took his official visit to Georgia. Entering that visit, the four-star, who was at one time committed to Florida, had narrowed his list down to Alabama and Georgia.

The No. 62 prospect in the On3 Consensus had in-home visits with Alabama, Florida, and Georgia last week, and he had eliminated the Gators.

James was not familiar with Billy Napier, but over the weekend, while he was in Athens, the Gators had communication with him. Things slowly started to change as we inched closer to Signing Day.

Alabama was out and it was a battle between Florida and Georgia. This one went back and forth until the final minute, but Napier and the Gators won James back.

“This was down to the wire and I probably knew my decision right before I signed,” James told On3. “It came down to Georgia and Florida, and it was a very tough decision.

“In the end, I felt Florida was the best place for me and the right decision.”

Shemar James commits to Florida for a second time

Florida never truly went away. James did say he was down to two other SEC schools last week, but the Gators did not concede.

As soon as he left Athens, new Florida defensive coordinator Patrick Toney reached out to him, and that changed things quickly.

“I talked to coach Toney right after my visit to Georgia ended and it really got my attention. We talked about his defense, what I could do in it, and on Monday, we got on the Zoom.

“He showed me his scheme, where I would be, and I liked it a lot. It showed me a lot and me and him just clicked.”

Alabama backed out of this race, so with Florida emerging, it came down to the Gators and the Bulldogs.

There were a lot of phone calls over the last 24-36 hours, and he went back and forth, but being familiar was the Swamp, still liking Florida as a school, James went back with the Gators.

“I have always liked Florida, so that never changed,” James said. “I was back there for the Florida State game and I love the environment, the vibe, and the players. That was always there.

“Then I met the coaches, I learned about the defense, and I saw the opportunity, so I went with Florida.

“I made my final decision Wednesday morning and I am relieved now. I feel a lot better having my mind made up.”