AITJ For Not Reciprocating My Friend's Feelings?

I met my friend James (not his real name) in community college a little over seven years ago. I think it was about thirty minutes before my next class and I felt like chilling in the student's lounge until it was time to head there. I was on my phone when James approached me and said that he liked my shirt. That day, I happened to be wearing a KU basketball shirt. No particular reason, I'd just felt like wearing it. It turned out that James was a big fan of sports and the Jayhawks happened to be one of his favorite teams. That compliment started a friendly conversation that lasted until it was time to leave for my next class.

Before leaving the lounge, we exchanged numbers. Since then, we'd been communicating as often as possible. About two years ago, James messaged me via Facebook saying that he had a crush on me. Unfortunately, I only liked James as a friend and told him as such in the nicest way possible. Part of me feels like I should at least give him a chance and see what happens after a date or two. But I worry that doing something like that would be considered as leading him on. I know this who situation sounds stupid, but I really need some insight on this.

What should I do?

EDIT: Okay, so I've been seeing some comments about how James wants to sleep with me. I know for a fact that that's NOT the case. If it were, he would've showed the usual signs. Inappropriate comments, asking for nudes, stuff like that. Moreover, he confessed his love once and only once. Absolutely no persistence whatsoever and we've been able to maintain our usual friendly communication even after that day. Believe me when I say that if James showed any signs of being that kind of person, I would've blocked him by now.