He played college football at Colorado State, and was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL draft.

As a senior in 2010, he started the first eight games before suffering a torn left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

He recorded 60 tackles (29 solo), eight sacks, 12 tackles-for-loss, one pass broken up, two forced fumbles and five quarterback hurries.

He recorded 51 tackles (29 solo), a team leading 8.5 tackles-for-loss, 6.5 sacks, three quarterback hurries and once forced fumble.

The Raiders previously traded linebacker Sio Moore to the Indianapolis Colts to obtain the selection used on James.

While in college, James volunteered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Larimer County, Colorado.