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Senior Curtis James is a leader on and off the football field.

After spending a year as a redshirt freshman at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, James decided to transfer to St. Thomas and continue his passion for football.

Fast-forward three years into the program, and Curtis James has made a name for himself as a vital team member on the St. Thomas football team. James was an All-American center on the team in 2011 and a preseason All-American center this year.

Coach Glenn Caruso praised James’ ability to lead on game day.

“He’s quite literally a coach on the field. I mean, he’s a guy that helps others get to where they need to go just like we coach from the sidelines… And he does that very very well,” Caruso said.

Senior linebacker Mike Valesano said James is a particularly focused individual.

“He’s a good hearted guy. Very goal-oriented, very driven,” Valesano said. “You know, he’s got his goals very specifically laid out for him… The way he gets those goals and he attains those goals is really second to none to the people I know our age.”

James is a well-rounded young man, who excels both as a student and a mentor, Caruso said. At the age of 22, James works as the head coach of the Edina high school speech team.

“Here’s a guy who is an All-American college football player and in his free time he’s the debate coach at Edina high school. You know, you don’t find a lot of guys with that breath, that range, that can do both of those things,” Caruso said.

James said he’s ready to experience the rest of his senior football season.

“We just want to leave our mark for what is this season going to be,” James said, “you know, what is this team going to kinda experience, how far is this team going to go and that’s what we’re in the process right now of figuring out.”

Emily Dehart can be reached at deha3752@stthomas.edu.