SEBASTIAN RIVER – Something must be done when it pertains to Xavier “Buddha” James.
Put some respect on his name and do not sleep on him at all.
Opponents have felt the wrath of James and what he can do on the field. They have faced a champion who has beaten the odds in more ways than one.
With that said, we have numbers and film to back it all up on behalf of the 5-foot-8, 190-pound athlete.
For his junior season, the 2025 standout posted the following statistics:
•850 rushing yards
•8 rushing touchdowns
•987 all-purpose yards
•10 total touchdowns
Special highlight: 4 games with 100+ total yards
Best individual performance: Week 7 against Wesley Chapel in a 38-6 road win with 19 carries for 200 yards and two touchdowns
James would go on to help lead Sebastian River (6-4 final record) to the SSAC Atlantic state title.
The Sharks team leader reflected on his junior campaign.
“We set a goal, which was to win the championship and we did it,” James said. “What I loved about it was being back home with people I love and grew up with. I used to be a ball boy on that same field when I was little. When I came back, the team and the community welcomed me with open arms. There’s nothing like home.”
James would then go on to earn two special ESPN Top 63 honors. He won Comeback Player of the Year from ESPN West Palm and was rated as the No. 56 overall player in both the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County.
James earned both distinctions during the ESPN Top 63 awards ceremony at Keiser University on Saturday, Aug. 10.
“It feels great,” James said. “It was always a goal of mine when I was younger and seen other guys before me nominated. I always strive to be the best for me as well as my school and team. I feel Sebastian gets overlooked a lot, so to receive this honor, it means a lot to me.”
James was also rated by TC Palm as one of the Treasure Coast’s top five running backs – regardless of class.
In addition, James is Muck City Media’s No. 20-ranked overall player for the Class of 2025 on the Treasure Coast.
Now that James is entering his senior season at Sebastian River, the stakes are even higher. He is seeking his first offer and will use his on-field production to achieve that goal at some point.
“I want to continue to grow as a player and prove those who doubt me wrong,” James said. “I want to continue bringing recognition to our school and team. And it’s the same for our team; we want to continue to grow and be better than last season. We want to give the community a team they can believe in. At the same time, I’m enjoying my last year with teammates and a community I’ve grown up with.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Florida Sports Photography, BigHits Live, and Holly Hamilton
Muck City Media Enterprises 
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