Why did Faith Academys Shemar James commit to Florida over Alabama?
Faith Academy 4-star linebacker Shemar James committed to Florida over reigning national champion Alabama on Fathers Day. The 6-foot-3, 212-pound rising senior, who visited Gainesville over the weekend, said his decision wasnt planned ahead of time. RELATED: A look at some of the states top 2022 recruits  James visited in-state SEC powers Alabama and Auburn earlier this month and said he is still hoping to visit either Georgia or Oregon this weekend. Here is what James told AL.com on Monday morning after making his commitment. Its a linebacker but more of a versatile position. Coach Rob (Christian Robinson) said I have linebacker and defensive back skills. Ill be able to play a bigger DB role and also stay in the box and rush and do some of those things. No, it was just something that happened. They showed real love this weekend. Just the experience I had visiting Gainesville  it was awesome. It was something that just hit me. It felt right. It felt like home far away from home. I just thought, What could go wrong with this decision?  Former Auburn High star Mohamoud Diabate was one Gator you spent a lot of time with this weekend. It was very nice. We related on a lot of things. With him being there for two or three years already, he was telling me how it was when he got there, and he talked about (head) coach (Dan) Mullen and what he was like. It was all love.  You narrowed your choices to Florida and Alabama in May. Im 100 percent a Gator. I feel relaxed, more free. I just want to play my last year with my guys at Faith. Hopefully, we can have another winning season. Our first goal is to win the region. Then, obviously, to go on and win a state title if we can.