Kali James Jr. joins the Jackson State staff as the defensive line coach/running game coordinator after spending two seasons at Florida. While at Florida, he served as the Defensive Line Graduate Assistant (2022) before being promoted to Assistant Defensive Line coach (2023).Â
Previous to the Florida Gators, he served as the defensive line coach at Eagles Landing Christian Academy under coach Jonathan Gess. Prior To ELCA, James spent 2019 as a defensive line assistant intern at South Carolina where he assisted John Scott.
James was a stand out player at Tuskegee prior to his coaching career. He played four years (2016-19) all 43 games, and was a four-year starter at defensive tackle. James was named the SIAC Newcomer of the Year, before serving as team captain his junior and senior seasons. He was awarded the Golden Tiger Man of Character Award while at Tuskegee. He totaled 76 tackles, 26 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He also scored a touchdown on a scoop and score, and recorded one interception.
A native of Riverdale Ga. He graduated from Tuskegee with his degree Psychology.Â
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