Name: Kendall James

Position: CB

School: Maine

Background:

  • James was born and raised in New Jersey. He attended the Union County Academy for Information Technology in Scotch Plains. He was a three-sport athlete, playing point guard for the basketball team and also participating in track. James was a two-star recruit according to Scout.com.
  • James, who majored in business administration, was reportedly recruited by some Ivy League schools.
  • James recorded 147 tackles, eight interceptions in 25 pass breakups in 48 games at Maine. In 2013, he led a Black Bears secondary that allowed just 165.4 yards per game.
  • James was first-team All-CAA in 2013 and third-team in 2011. He was also named a second-team FCS All-American in 2013 by the Associated Press.
  • James is the 15th Black Bears player to ever be drafted by an NFL team.
  • James looked to former Packers safety Jerron McMillian, who is now with the Chiefs, for guidance during the pre-draft process. The two played together at Maine.

On his interactions with the Vikings before the draft

"It's been a long process, but I think they called me a few times and I'm pretty sure I met with him either at the combine or the all-star game, but it was so busy that I just lost track."

On what he brings to the Vikings secondary

"I can bring toughness to them and help on special teams and I'm just an all-around great cover corner. I think I can bring a lot to help this defense."

On the competition for playing time in Minnesota

"Competition, it's one word. I'm going to do the best I can to prove to the coaches that they made a good decision on me and for me to play and learn behind good corners and still compete as hard as everyone else did."