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          FSU's Derwin James declares for NFL draft

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          Matich: Sitting out bowl the 'right call' for Derwin James (1:07)

          Trevor Matich explains why FSU's Derwin James' decision not to play in the Independence Bowl against Mississippi State is the best choice for his future. (1:07)

          • Andrea Adelson, ESPN Senior WriterDec 5, 2017, 07:25 PM
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            • ACC reporter.
            • Joined ESPN.com in 2010.
            • Graduate of the University of Florida.
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          Florida State safety Derwin James declared for the NFL draft on Tuesday and said he would not play in the Seminoles' upcoming bowl game.

          James, a redshirt sophomore who is one of the top draft prospects in the country, announced his intentions in an Instagram post Tuesday.

          ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. lists James as the No. 3 overall prospect on his latest Big Board.

          James was the only FSU player to earn a first-team All-ACC selection. He had 84 tackles, which was second on Florida State, two interceptions -- including one returned for a touchdown -- and one sack after missing most of 2016 with a knee injury.

          James said he will not participate when Florida State plays Southern Miss in the Walk-Ons Independence Bowl on Dec. 27. He is following the same lead as Christian McCaffrey and Leonard Fournette, who both skipped bowl games last year in preparation for the NFL draft.

          The Associated Press contributed to this report.