[1] He attended Indian River High School in Chesapeake, and as quarterback, guided the team to a state football championship in 1995.
In 2000, he was one of 12 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to the best defensive back in college football.
[2] James was selected in the 3rd round (94th overall) of the 2001 NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
[1] In his rookie season (2001–02), he played in 16 games, assisting on 3 tackles and making 6 of his own.
In 2002, he deflected two passes and made five solo tackles in ten games.