Miami Hurricanes Debate: Derwin James the next Sean Taylor?

James had an All-American freshman campaign and he was just dubbed the best defender in the country. His skill set is well established as a game-changing versatile phenomenon. So is calling him the next Sean Taylor really that blasphemous?

To Miami Hurricane fans absolutely. The reason for the reaction is a multifaceted one. Miami fans will point out statistically there are some discrepancies. One being interceptions. James has only amassed one career interception. Taylor had a Miami Hurricanes single-season record tying ten during his junior campaign. (14 for a career).

James has only amassed one career interception. Taylor had a Miami Hurricanes single-season record tying ten during his junior campaign. (14 during his career).

In his first year as a full-time starter in 2002 Taylor amassed 85 total tackles, had four interceptions for 122 return yards and broke up 15 passes. James has broken up four passes in his collegiate career. In 2003, Taylor was a unanimous first team All-American with three of his ten interceptions being returned for touchdowns.

Here is where some really intense arguments can ensue. You can debate James is a hybrid player who has more utilization than just at the free safety position. Taylor, in essence, had greater statistical chance for interceptions simply because he was in pass coverage more.

If you argue they are not the same position types, then why is there such an intense to compare the two? If you list free safeties simply in terms of ball hawking there is no debate, Taylor wins. Fourteen career interceptions vs. one. James has some catching up to do.