Auburn cornerback D.J. James will opt out of the Music City Bowl, 247 Sports reports.

James will take the time to prepare for the NFL Draft, a source told the media outlet.

Last month, James, a former Spanish Fort High School star, accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl, which takes place Feb. 3 at Mobile’s Hancock Whitney Stadium. James was the first player from an in-state school to be confirmed for the upcoming college football all-star game and NFL draft showcase.

He will be joined in the Senior Bowl secondary by Auburn teammates Nehemiah Pritchett and Jaylin Simpson.

James has started the last two seasons at Auburn after transferring from Oregon. In 11 games for the Tigers this season, he has 34 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, eight pass breakups and two interceptions.

Auburn (6-6) will face Maryland (7-5) on Dec. 30 in Nashville.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.