Cory James

A two-star linebacker recruit, James received only one FBS-level offer out of high school, redshirting in 2011 at Colorado State. He broke into the starting line-up as a true freshman edge rusher in CSU's 3-4 scheme and posted consistent numbers the next three seasons, including career-bests 12.0 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks as a sophomore. James moved to middle linebacker when the team moved to a 4-3 base in 2015, finishing with 65 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks as a senior.

he can be late to find the ball or anticipate the action over the middle, playing like more of a see-ball, get-ball type. james showed improvements as an off-ball linebacker in 2015, but he is at his best bursting upfield, using his initial momentum and body flexibility to rush the pocket. although he doesn't have ideal size, length or functional strength, james has the lower body athleticism and competitive spirit that could earn him a roster spot - ideal fit is as a hybrid pass rusher.

--Dane Brugler (4/28/16)

Lettered two years in football for the Rams of Del Rio, Texas, a city of 37,000 on the U.S.-Mexico border about three hours due west of San Antonio

Started 21 consecutive games at linebacker until sustaining a torn left anterior cruciate ligament, ending his prep career in the eighth game of his senior season

Before the injury, combined as a junior and senior for 116 tackles (67 solo), 26 stops behind the line of scrimmage, 11 sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery

Despite the injury, still voted by fellow coaches the District 29-5A Co-Linebacker of the Year after his senior campaign, when he also garnered first-team all-district honors for the second straight year

Also received the Hit Stick Award

Helped DRHS to bi-district and area championships on a team that finished 8-3 in 2010 and 10-3 in 2009, when the Rams advanced to the third round of the Texas Class 5A state playoffs

Started all 13 games as a junior in 2009

Top prep speed in the 40-yard dash was 4.8 seconds

Owned a 3.1 GPA

Head football coach was Steve Hoffman

Also played baseball for the Rams

Drew recruiting interest from TCU, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas State, Louisiana Tech and East Carolina.

Given name Cory Miguel James

Born May 22, 1993, in Del Rio, Texas

Son of Clarence and Sheila James

Has one older brother

Dad, Clarence, played football at Chowan Junior College

has volunteered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County in his time at CSU

Majoring in liberal arts at Colorado State

Hometown: Del Rio, Texas.