Born: 1974; Miami, FL

James Colzie III comes from an athletic family where sports and education are essential. Colzie, the oldest of three children of Earnestine and James Colzie Jr., who is the athletic director at South Miami High, comes from a long line of athletes.

His uncle is Neal Colzie, who played in the NFL. His cousin is Marvin Jones, the Northwestern High and Florida State linebacker who was a first-round pick in the NFL draft and Colzie's grandfather, James Colzie, was a legendary pitcher in the Negro Leagues, playing for the Indianapolis Clowns and the Homestead Greys.
Now Colzie will help shape the top football players of tomorrow as FIU's assistant football coach. He will be responsible for the team's corners.

Prior to his position at FIU Colzie played baseball with the Montreal Expos in 1997 and taught Miami Christian.

In 1993 Colzie accepted a scholarship to Florida State where he earned a degree in international finance and was the defensive back on that No. 1 rated defense. He was named The Miami Herald's Athlete of the Year in 1993.

A talented athlete, Colzie spent most of his childhood running between the football field, the basketball court and the baseball diamond. He was a star as a freshman and sophomore at Class 2A Gulliver, where he played football, basketball, baseball and
ran track. He later transferred to South Miami Senior High in order to face tougher competition.

He finished his high school career with 24 interceptions and was a two-time Class 5A All-Dade defensive back. He was named to the Class 5A All-State team.

Also considered one of Miami-Dade's best basketball players, despite his 5 foot 9 inch stature. He finished his high school career with 2,144 points, averaging 22 points and 10 assists a game as a senior.
Colzie also was a career .300 hitter on the baseball diamond and stole 35 bases over a two-year period.
Colzie lives in Miami.