ORLANDO, FL --

Derwin James went from Haines City High School to Florida State to the NFL.

How did this happen?

“I’m the same person ma’am. I’m the same me,” James aid. “You know, no matter how much success I have in this league or no matter what happens, I’m going to be the same me, same kid from Haines City, FL.”

At Disney’s Wide World of Sports, James is surrounded by the game’s greats and he is fitting right in. He’s come a long way from where it all began, physically, not geographically.

“That’s where it all started in Haines City and Auburndale,” James said. “So, I give credit to the people that helped me out along the way.”

 It’s been quite a journey from James’ humble Polk County beginnings to his ascension as one of the top defensive backs in the league in only his first year. Following an All-American career at Florida State, James earned All-Pro honors, the only rookie selected to the first team. He’s one of six members of the 2018 NFL Draft Class selected this year’s Pro Bowl and one of the front runners for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

“It was kind of a whirlwind, it was going by fast,” he said. “You know, every week you start over. So, I had to get used to that and it was a fun season.”

James is continuing that fun this week. He’s been reunited with his Florida State teammate Jalen Ramsey. And he’s not the only one repping the 8-6-3. Lakeland Dreadnaughts alum Pouncey twins, Maurkice and Mike, are also on the AFC roster.

“Polk County, we’ve got all the athletes,” James aid. “Y’all go get ‘em.”

That’s his advice for the NFL. And he’s going to follow his own words of wisdom in an effort to continue to this Pro Bowl pace.

“I’m not happy, I’m not settled," he said, "you know, I’m trying to get better and get ready for next year.”