James grew up in Mobile, Alabama and attended Spanish Fort High School.

[2] He was rated a three-star recruit and initially committed to play college football at Mississippi State.

[8] He was named second-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) in his first season with the Tigers after making 37 tackles with one interception and eight passes broken up.

[9] James had his signature moment when playing against Western Kentucky, when got his first interception for the Tigers and returned it 27 yards for a touchdown, cutting in front of the quarterback.

[10] James was selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the 192nd overall pick in the sixth round in the 2024 NFL draft.