First-team All-American
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AUBURN, Ala. | Auburn defensive end commitment Paul James III was named first-team All-American by the National Junior College Athletic Association.
The NJCAA released its All-America teams on Monday.
James earned the honor after completing one of the best pass-rushing seasons in Copiah-Lincoln (Wesson, Miss.) history. The sophomore finished with 14 sacks in nine games, good enough for fifth-most in the country. James also had 47 total tackles, with nearly half (22) being for loss.
James, who is 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, committed to Auburn in November and has stayed loyal. That won't change. James plans to sign a National Letter of Intent with Auburn on Wednesday, the first day mid-year transfers are allowed to sign.
"I love it at Auburn. I love the coaches and how everybody treats you like family," James said after his commitment in November. "I knew when I first came over (for the AU-Ole Miss game) that I loved it."
James signed with Illinois in 2013 out of Norland High School in Miami, Fla. He spent a redshirt season at Illinois before transferring to Copiah-Lincoln before the 2014 season.
James will reunite at Auburn with close friend and former high school teammate Carlton Davis, Auburn's freshman All-SEC cornerback.
"Carlton being there is big to me," James said. "We grew up playing ball and are really close. He has shown me during my visits how things are and how I can make my life better at Auburn."
In his final junior college game, a 17-14 win over Jones County, James earned the MAJCC Defensive Player of the Week award after recording 8.5 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, three quarterback hurries and three sacks.
"I'm looking forward to doing it at Auburn next year," James said.
James will officially report to Auburn on Jan. 10 and begin classes Jan. 13. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
For a complete list of the NJCAA All-America teams, click here.
James Video Highlights
