FRISCO, Texas — Life is transitioning from surreal to real for the incoming class of Dallas Cowboys rookies, draft picks and undrafted free agent signings alike, as they reported to rookie minicamp to begin solidifying their chance at proving themselves worthy of roster spots and depth chart roles over the next several weeks — Shemar James being one such bright-eyed prospect.
James is a high-motor linebacker that hails from none other than the University of Florida, where the native of Mobile made a name for himself in the collegiate ranks; and that also happens to be where head coach Brian Schottenheimer played football in yesteryear, where he also won a national championship in 1996.
That last part is key, considering he made sure to remind James of it when the two former Gators initially spoke, as early as their formal meeting at the 2025 NFL Combine, so, needless to say, the two are off to a fast start with their relationship.
“Oh yeah we’re definitely locked in right now, like best friends,” James said of Schottenheimer, sporting an ear-to-ear grin. “We’re both alum, so go Gators.”
His level of excitement doesn’t stop there, however, because pivoting from having the ability to count all 32 of his pearly whites during his first-ever interview with media from inside of the Cowboys facilities, James opened up about several more topics — from his lifelong fandom of the Cowboys, where that stems from, his expected role in Dallas going forward and plenty more.
A diehard lover of dogs (he owns a pit bull), cars (Ford GT500 is his dream classic) and all things Cowboys, James introduced himself with plenty of smiles, energy and insight into his inner workings.
On his role in Matt Eberflus’ system:
“I’m a Will (weakside) linebacker right now, and I’m trying to do that to the best of my ability.”
On his view of playing special teams:
“I played special teams all three years at Florida, so that’s something I want to do here. It’s something that I take pride in. Yeah, I hope I’m on special teams.”
On his style of leadership:
“I’m energetic. I’m a guy that leads by example. I’m a guy that loves to relate to his teammates before I judge them. I would like to know you before I can judge if and when you’re slacking on the field. I feel that’s kind of the best way you can lead somebody — by knowing them personally off the field, so you can make them give him that 110% on the field.”
On Eberflus being both defensive coordinator and an LB guru:
“You always want a coach that specializes in your position, because you kind of get a little extra love, a [few] extra blitzes. That’s kind of like a plus for me, I would think. [He] specializes in linebackers, very hands-on. I’m excited to see my development over these couple of years.”
On how playing in the SEC prepared him for the NFC East, NFL:
“[In] practice and in the games, too. Playing in the SEC, it’s any given Saturday. Like they say in the NFL that it’s any given Sunday — it’s any given Saturday in the SEC. You’re playing against a great team and great players each and every week, so you’ve got to bring it, and kind of like you do here.”
On if it’s set in yet he’s in the NFL, and with the Cowboys:
Yeah, so it’s slowly setting in completely — all these cameras and the walkthrough and just, you know, having that Star on your chest. I’m here now. I’m excited to be a Cowboy.”
On the Cowboys trading up to select him:
“Man, that meant a lot to me, because I got the call when the Cardinals [were] on the board. My mom, she kind of yelled out the house, like, ‘The Cowboys just traded up!’ As soon as I got off the phone, my name popped up on the screen, so I was like, ‘I’m a Dallas Cowboy.’ That’s my family’s favorite team and my favorite team since I’ve been a kid.
“It’s a dream come true and it’s actually special for me.”
On when that dream first became a thing in his mind:
“I was born into this world as a Cowboys fan, since I was a one-day-old. I remember my brother told me actually, after I got drafted, he [said] my uncle — who has passed away — used to always make him sit in front of the TV to watch the Cowboys. I think that’s kind of where it grew and it just spread along my family like a wildfire.”
On if he’s ready for Texas heat, literally and figuratively speaking:
