Schottenheimer: 'Shemar James is going to be an incredible player in this league'

Dallas Cowboys rookie linebacker Shemar James had a dominant performance Sunday in the team’s 37-22 win over the New York Jets. A former star for the Florida Gators, James stepped up in just his second NFL game, showing the kind of playmaking ability that made him a standout in college.

James has developed a pregame routine in his short NFL career. Before putting on his pads, he heads to the field, looks up at the stadium, and reminds himself how surreal it is to actually be playing in the NFL.

On Sunday, he came in expecting to contribute mostly on special teams and as a third-down rotational linebacker. That changed quickly.

Starting linebacker Jack Sanborn suffered a concussion early in the game, giving James a chance to play a much larger role. By the end of the game, he had recorded a team-high 15 tackles.

“I would say it was a surreal feeling for me. It was kind of like cloud nine,” James told the Dallas Morning News. “Just running out there, just hitting the ball — like see ball, get ball, was kind of going on in my head. That was kind of the outcome of that. Fifteen tackles, I guess?”

Hungry for more success

James said the game was a blur, but he hopes to use it as a building block. He also knows there’s room for improvement. While he was a productive tackler, he admitted he needs to work on zone coverage. The Cowboys have emphasized limiting big plays over the past couple of games and James wants to get closer to his opponents to prevent bigger gains.

“Just kind of getting closer to my man,” James said. “Instead of eight-yard gains, I could make them four-yard gains.”

Shemar James receives rave review from his head coach

James also said communication can always improve. Cowboys head coach and former Florida quarterback Brian Schottenheimer agreed, noting that the team’s alignment could have been better.

However, despite the learning curve, the Cowboys are excited about James’ potential.

“Shemar James is going to be an incredible player in this league,” Schottenheimer said. “I really do believe that. And (Kenneth Murray) got forced into a spot he hadn’t been playing because of Sanborn, but I’m proud of those guys because of the adjustments they were able to make.”

James’ performance Sunday was a huge step up from his five-tackle game against the Green Bay Packers the week prior. It gives the Cowboys confidence that he can be a key contributor in the future.

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