DJ James will retain his feathers as he goes from an Oregon Duck to an Auburn Tiger to now a Seattle Seahawk following the 192nd overall selection from Round 6 of Saturday’s NFL Draft.

James added onto history as only the second Spanish Fort alumnus to have his name called at the NFL Draft. Kris Abrams-Draine from Missouri was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round at No. 145 overall also on Saturday’s third day.

The All-SEC defensive back will also see a familiar face out west in Auburn teammate and cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett who was drafted by Seattle in the Round 5 at No. 136 overall.

They’ll get to start their professional careers under Karl Scott who serves as the Seahawks’ defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach. Before his tenure in Seattle started in 2021, Scott was the cornerbacks coach for the Alabama Crimson Tide from 2018-2020.

Following 72 tackles and 2 interceptions over 3 seasons at Oregon, James finished his collegiate career with 2 seasons Auburn and 75 total tackles to go along with 3 interceptions as part of 21 pass breakups. James then reunited with Abrams-Draine and was an American Team captain for the 75th-annual Senior Bowl in their hometown of Mobile.

Another draft-eligible Spanish Fort graduate who was waiting on his name to be called included wide receiver Jeremiah Hixon with five seasons at Alabama State and one at New Mexico.