Haines City (Fla.) five-star safety Derwin James has been a regular at Florida State dating back to his commitment in February of 2012. This past weekend the early enrollee took his official visit to FSU.

He spoke on what was different about that visit compared to so many others he has taken to Tallahassee.

“It was just better this time because I was able to invite my whole family up there and we were able to spend a couple of days, spending the night up there,” James said. “We really just got to see everything. We saw the new dorms. Everything was finished. It was my first time seeing all of that since the summer and it was now finished. When I was up there earlier (this season), I just went to the game.

“What really impressed them was the dorms, where we are staying at,” James added. “Also the facilities. They are just excellent.”

During the visit, James and his family spent a lot of time with defensive coordinator Charles Kelly and the football staff.

“They want me to get there and learn the playbook right away,” James said. “They told me that there is a good chance if I come in and work that I am going to see the field as a true freshman.”

The 6-foot-2, 206-pound defensive back is being brought in to play the position that has been occupied by Lamarcus Joyner and Jalen Ramsey over the past two seasons.

“Basically you just have to read the offense,” James said. “You get to mix it up. You get to roam the field. I like roaming the field. You get to blitz, you get to drop in coverage – it is everything in one position.”

In addition to enjoying his visit, James took on the role of recruiter.

“I was talking to (four-star defensive back) Kris Boyd, (five-star defensive end) Byron (Cowart) and a couple of other guys,” James said. “I try to just speak nothing but facts about the school. I don’t try to pressure them into making a decision. I just tell them what Florida State has to offer. The coaches are going to have your back. It is a great program, a winning program. I just lay it on the table for them.”

James has known Cowart for some time. He has been actively recruiting him dating back to at least the spring.

“He has opened up his options more,” James said. “He definitely seems to like Florida State a lot. He just wants to go through this and make sure he makes the right decision.”

He has also known Boyd, a fellow defensive back for several months.

“I got to know him in Oregon (at The Opening) and camps and stuff,” James said. “He is definitely interested.”

Next up for James, who has completely recovered from a knee injury suffered during his senior season, is to participate in an all-star game in early January.

“I am playing in the Under Armour Game,” James said. “It has been my dream to play in that game since I was a kid and it is getting closer and closer.

“Then I will be in Tallahassee on January 4th,” James added.

The 247Sports Composite ranks James as the No. 7 prospect in the nation and No. 1 safety overall.