James attended the Union County Academy for Information Technology in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

While playing for Abraham Clark High School in Roselle, New Jersey, he earned all-conference and all-league honors during both his junior and senior seasons, and helped lead his team to its first winning record in 10 years in 2007.

He also played basketball, where he was a three-year starter at point guard helping lead his team to a sectional championship during his junior season.

He also ran track and helped lead his team to a state title his junior season.

[10] James was waived/injured on August 11, 2016, after being placed on the physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp.

[11] He played in two games, both starts, for the Lions in 2017, recording seven tackles on defense and one pass breakup.

[13] On October 26, 2018, James signed with the San Diego Fleet of the Alliance of American Football.