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."
