Jimbo Fisher says Derwin James reminds him of Jameis Winston in the way he uniquely affects other Florida State players in a positive manner.
Now the Seminoles are preparing to play without James, their best defender, indefinitely.
James, a sophomore standout safety, is expected to miss some time to repair torn cartilage in left knee, Fisher said on Monday.
Fisher did not have a definite timetable for James' recovery before or how many games he'll miss this season before he went into surgery Monday afternoon. He did express James "did not have any ACL or structural damage whatsoever."
"We'll go in and see, and his time out will be depending on how it's repaired," Fisher said. "If it's torn or something, we'll have to jag it and cut it, and it's actually less time back. If they sow it or tack it down or whatever they say to do, it could be more time. We'll do whatever's best for him.
"All it was just a piece of cartilage that flickered."
James injured himself after planting his leg, and delivering a shoulder bump to a Charleston Southern player on a busted coverage in the third quarter of FSU's 52-8 victory.
James tried to limp off the injury, and sat for a few moments on the field before limping off on his own power. He was later carted to FSU's locker room and did not return to the game.
The score was 42-6 at the time James was in the game. Fisher planned for James to play only two series in the second half before pulling him for the rest of the game.
Now the Seminoles will have to slow Louisville's dynamic offense, spearheaded by early Heisman Trophy candidate Lamar Jackson at Papa John's Stadium on Saturday, without its most versatile player on defense.
James has been used at safety, in nickel formations, and as an edge rusher as a member of Fisher and defensive coordinator Charles Kelly's scheme during his young career.
Along with the Louisville game, James could be in jeopardy of missing games at Miami (three weeks) or even at home against Clemson (seven weeks) _ depending on his recovery.
"I have no doubt in my mind about Derwin's backups," senior defensive back DeMarcus Walker said after the Charleston Southern game. "We just got to get ready to play football."
FSU's secondary, which prides itself on versatility and the ability to play at multiple positions, will likely use a committee of Seminoles to fulfill James' expected absence.
Sophomores A.J. Westbrook and Calvin Brewton are likely candidates to earn playing time alongside starting safety Trey Marshall.
Senior starting cornerback Marquez White also has the ability to play safety while sophomores Marcus Lewis, Tarvarus McFadden and freshman Levonta Taylor could split time at cornerback.
Senior Nate Andrews, who has seven career interceptions, has missed the first two games of the season with a calf injury, but could return this week. Fisher also said freshman defensive backs like Carlos Becker and Kyle Meyers could also be entered into the mix.
FSU loves to play at least five defensive backs in many sets, but could also take advantage of linebacker Matthew Thomas' athleticism and coverage skills on certain plays.
"You kind of put a safeguard around to make sure that all your bases are covered the way you've got to go," Fisher said. "We've got some great young players I think who will be able to step up and play."
The injury is another misfortune for James in his sophomore season. He had surgery for a minor foot injury before the preseason, and returned in time to play in FSU's opener against Ole Miss _ a game he secured his first career interception.
The Seminoles will certainly miss James' athleticism and leadership on the field for the time being. But Fisher believes James can still have his effect on his teammates from the sideline.
"He'll have those guys mentally ready to play," Fisher said. "He's one of the few guys I've been around _ like Jameis _ that have such a unique effect on players in such a positive way."
