Good news: A great announcement has been made by Mississippi State football player James Worth to…
STARKVILLE: It was anticipated that Nick James would play baseball.
The Mississippi State defensive lineman grew up wanting to be on the mound, staring down batters instead of running down quarterbacks.
James remarked, “My first love was baseball.” I enjoyed it, but my dad made me do it. All I need is a bag of sunflower seeds to spend the entire day playing baseball.
In 1988, the Chicago White Sox selected Steve, James’ father, in the 52nd round of the draft, out of Mississippi Valley State.
He spent two seasons as an outfielder and first baseman with Chicago’s rookie team. Pitcher was his kid.
James remarked, “He thought I was going to be a pitcher my whole life.” “My dad’s brilliance was mine. Pitching was that. Then I grew too large.
He developed into the 6-foot-5, 320-pound player who Mississippi State used to start nine of their twelve games this season. At the end, he had three tackles for loss and a career-high 25 tackles.
James was made to pitch from behind the mound by the Little League coaches. The junior at MSU claimed to have driven 70 mph in middle school. His peak was in the upper eighties.
James replied, “Eighty-seven miles per hour.” “I may have touched ninety, but I haven’t. However, I was just 13 at the time, so it’s possible.
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In the seventh grade, James joined the football squad. During his first practice, he watched from the sidelines until his cousins persuaded him to line up at defensive end.
“I stepped off the brink. With a snap of his hands, James stated, “I just went, ‘Boom,'” as the quarterback wasn’t looking. “Dude, that was crazy.”
He fell in love with football.
James remarked, “It was just a feeling, man, when I first got my big hit.” “My purpose was to play defense,”
James developed into a four-star recruit at Long Beach High as his physique and skill set continued to expand.
It took some time for the talent to blossom at Mississippi State.
It was difficult, dude. All of it was self-serving. I simply give thanks to God. He was patient with me,” James remarked. It really is God. God has granted me a little time. I reclined and felt humbled. That’s working because my stats increased.
Compared to his previous two seasons, James concluded this year with more tackles and tackles for loss.
Prior to returning in 2014, he redshirted his second year on campus and played as a true freshman.
After three years at Mississippi State, the defensive tackle had recorded 21 tackles without stopping a ball carrier in the backfield. His antics against coaches and teammates during practice had established more of a reputation than his on-field performance.
Looking back, I remember freestyling last year and not paying attention to the proper people. I was awakened,” James remarked. “This year, I came to understand that my coach will lead me to the ball.”
James depended entirely on his talent during his first three years. He was let down in the Southeastern Conference by the same skill set that enabled him to sack the quarterback on his first play as a defender and toss a baseball at 87 mph.
James remarked, “It’s just learning how to stay in your gap, beat your man, and cross the line of scrimmage and get off and make a play.” “Leaving your gap and freestyle is very simple. One second is all it takes—cutback, bam. There could be a touchdown up the field of sixty yards.
James weighed 330 pounds when he began his junior year. After the season’s first three games, he shed ten pounds, which improved his output.
He was able to log more than 40 plays in a game for the first time in his career.
“It feels fantastic,” James remarked. “I’ve managed my weight.” I’m prepared to leave.
James lost weight and ended up recording 22 of his 25 tackles this season. In the last four games, he recorded 14 tackles with 2.5 for loss. He finished the season with a career-high five tackles in the Egg Bowl.
James remarked, “I just know football better.” “Just knowing where the ball is supposed to go, knowing my assignment in general.” Most of the time, I know the play before they say “hut.”
