Derwin James was born in the Florida town of Haines City. He began his prep football career at nearby Auburndale High School but ultimately transferred to his hometown school, Haines High School, partway through.
In true James fashion, he was ranked as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com and the top safety in his entire class. Following in the footsteps of all the past defensive backs who made a name for themselves at Florida State, James chose to continue his football career as a member of the Seminoles. The Noles offered James a scholarship when he was just a freshman in high school and it’s hard not to think that early investment in him paid off in the end.