Florida State will play in the Independence Bowl without one of its best defensive players.
Junior defensive back Derwin James — already projected to declare for the 2018 NFL Draft — confirmed on Tuesday he would forego his final year of eligibility. He also announced he would not play in the Independence Bowl against Southern Miss.
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James' decision makes sense for him: He has nothing to gain from playing in what amounts to a meaningless bowl game for FSU, and risks losing millions if he gets injured. The FSU defensive back is widely considered to be one of the best available players in the draft.
He is projected by Sporting News to be taken sixth overall.
