Auburn CB DJ James makes top 10 highest graded returning corners according to PFF
Auburn football senior DJ James surely looked the part of one of the best corners in college football in 2022. The numbers say that James was one of the best corners in college football.
When it comes to returning corners for 2023, Pro Football Focus (PFF) says that James is the 10th best corner among all power 5 corners.
James, who returned for his senior year after having a chance at going pro, is primed for a big season at Auburn. He may even get the chance to move around the secondary and show some versatility as an NFL Draft prospect.
“Yeah I’m going to get in that nickel,” James said in an interview during spring football. “I’m going to get in that nickel spot some this year. I love nickel. That’s versatility, just showing you can do different things. Yes sir, definitely. You’re going to have to get your hands dirty, we’re going to get in the box some at nickel.”
James’ career so far
James originally committed to play for Oregon out of Spanish Fort High School in Spanish Fort (Ala.). He played for the Ducks for two years. As a sophomore in 2021, James had 46 tackles, including 34 solos, two interceptions and four pass breakups.
In his first season at Auburn, James had 37 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception, and eight pass breakups.
James allowed 24 receptions in 59 targets, good for 40.7 percent on the season.
James’ best game came against Western Kentucky. He allowed five receptions in 10 targets, made seven tackles, and capped it off with an interception return for a touchdown in Auburn’s second-half shutout of the Hilltoppers.
Other impressive games for James include allowing two receptions on six targets against Mississippi State, allowing one reception on five targets against LSU, and allowing only two receptions on seven targets against San Jose State.
