CSU's James Named FCS DB to Watch in 2012

CHARLESTON, SC - Kickoff of the 2012 football season is still more than three months away, but Charleston Southern cornerback Charles James is already receiving recognition. On Monday, James, a redshirt senior, was named one of ten FCS defensive backs to watch by The Sports Network.

James was the only Big South player named to the list, which was led by four selections from the Southland Conference, and one each from the Northeast Conference, Southern Conference, Southwestern Athletic Conference, Colonial Athletic Association, and Missouri Valley Conference. The Philadelphia based site picked players who combine speed, power and the ability to get into position to make plays.

James got his hands on six interceptions in 2010 to tie Philip Ashley's CSU single-season record, and managed to come up with two more last year en route to earning a spot on the First Team All-Big South Defense. The Jacksonville, Florida native led the 2011 Buccaneers with seven pass breakups and nine pass deflections, and finished third on the club with 66 tackles and 40 solo stops. James was at his best against some of the league's top receiving threats, as he held Liberty standout Chris Summers without a catch a year after nabbing three picks versus the Flames. The Mandarin High School product sits just one interception behind Ashley for the program's career-lead, and will look to continue to make an impact in special teams, as he led CSU with 185 punt return yards in 2011, 30 of which came on a touchdown versus Wesley on October 1.

CSU opens its season on September 1 with a rivalry matchup against The Citadel at Johnson Hagood Stadium. To view The Sports Network's full write up, click here.