Report: LaMichael James will declare for 2012 NFL Draft

by Dan Kadar on Dec 14, 2011 6:31 PM EST in 2012 NFL Draft

A source told the Oregonian today that Oregon Ducks junior running back LaMichael James will forgo his senior season and enter the 2012 NFL Draft.

This would be an expected move after James strongly considered entering the draft last season.

This season James finished with 1,646 yards rushing with 17 touchdowns, despite missing two games with a dislocated elbow. Had he played every game this season, James likely would have been a Heisman Trophy candidate as he was last season.

James, the Ducks' all-time leader in rushing yards, ran for 200 yards or more four times this season. James has also proven himself as a punt returner, which should help his draft stock. But it's hard to see James getting taken in the first 50 picks. His first step is a little lacking and his playing style may not translate to the next level.

We currently have James rated as the fifth-best running back eligible for the draft. Read some prospect notes on him here.

Tweet Comment 22 comments | Add comment | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

So...

What round do you project him at? I’d love the Packers to take a look at this guy if he’s still available in the second…

13-0
MattFlynn4StartingQB

by arodgb on Dec 14, 2011 7:25 PM EST reply actions

Third or fourth.

Mocking the Draft: Talking NFL Draft all year.

by Dan Kadar on Dec 14, 2011 8:27 PM EST up reply actions

if he’s still available in the ~~second…~~third

13-0
MattFlynn4StartingQB

by arodgb on Dec 14, 2011 8:29 PM EST up reply actions

+1

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Dec 14, 2011 11:58 PM EST up reply actions

Good call

Theres really nothing else he could do to improve his stock next year, so while it may not look great if he comes out and falls to the 3rd, I don’t think he’d get drafted any higher next year.

It’ll be interesting to see how much he weighs at the combine. If he can bulk up and run a good time (ie: Von Miller) I could see him in the 2nd

C'mon, join us, there's plenty of koolaid on the Broncos bandwagon for everyone!

by DBroncs1414 on Dec 14, 2011 7:46 PM EST via mobile reply actions

hard to see him pull off a MJD success story with his size

but speed does kill and Oregon backs are kick-ass. plus Kenjon Barner needs a starting spot

by vitzeng on Dec 14, 2011 10:10 PM EST reply actions

MJD

can do everything great, he’s little(5’7"), but runs and trucks people like hes 6’2". This guy is speed, and little guys are expected to be fast.

Anyone interested in making money easy and quick on the interne, let me know through twitter or facebook(preferably facebook).
"thanks for hating"
"Give it up now before its too late!…. CJ will be shut down? Nevermind, its already too late." AZ TiTan10

Follow Me On Twitter

by rhettchrystal on Dec 14, 2011 10:17 PM EST up reply actions

further proving that he is the exception, not the rule when it comes to small RBs

by vitzeng on Dec 15, 2011 12:18 AM EST up reply actions

People will confuse

height and size. Height is pretty irrelevant to the RB position, but where James is hurt is that he’s really light. He needs to bulk up to be considered a legit NFL RB. However, at his size, he would be a good 3rd down back

C'mon, join us, there's plenty of koolaid on the Broncos bandwagon for everyone!

by DBroncs1414 on Dec 14, 2011 10:56 PM EST up reply actions

He's a guy

who would be good in Tampa Bay, to complement Blount’s tough running style, a very fast and quick guy like this. If he can be brought into a passing game, and can be utlized on screens, it’s over. Fast, quick, and elusive, with two blockers in front of you. Watch Out!

Follow Me On Twitter

by rhettchrystal on Dec 14, 2011 10:17 PM EST reply actions

He would be a great fit in Tampa.

13-0
MattFlynn4StartingQB

by arodgb on Dec 14, 2011 10:28 PM EST up reply actions

That would be funny

Since James got his first start at Oregon in the game following Blount’s infamous sucker punch Boise St game.

by ursula on Dec 15, 2011 12:49 AM EST up reply actions

/Punches Blount

//Becomes best RB in NFL

13-0
MattFlynn4StartingQB

by arodgb on Dec 15, 2011 5:42 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed

Really hoping he is there when we pick in the third.

Yugly.

by aakks on Dec 15, 2011 10:31 AM EST up reply actions

Absolutely

I’ve been promoting that pick for months. James is the ideal complement for Blount’s power game, and will hopefully be available when we pick high in the 3rd.

Seven straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.

by RookTakesYou on Dec 16, 2011 10:20 PM EST up reply actions

I fail to see how Polk and Pierce are better than this kid

I would draft James over either of them. My top 3 are Wilson, Richardson, and James in that order.

Winning

by Foilhat on Dec 14, 2011 11:11 PM EST reply actions

they are better transitions to NFL

cuz he’s just a lightweight

by vitzeng on Dec 15, 2011 12:19 AM EST up reply actions

Also funny

Since last year most every draft board had James rated higher than Polk. That flipped this year and honestly I don’t know why. Its not like James lost weight or anything but Polk moved up while James slid down.

Now there was some hype right before Oregon played Washington this year by some college TV announcers who said Polk was the best RB in the Pac-12. This was also the time when James was just coming back from his elbow injury. The rest of the year, James showed pretty obviously that he was the better back.

If James for some reason changes him mind about declaring and comes back for one more year, he’d stand a good chance to set the all-time NCAA rushing record.

by ursula on Dec 15, 2011 12:55 AM EST up reply actions

Those elbow injuries didn't help

He bulked up about 15 lbs this year and didn’t lose a step but it also hurt him that he was sharing the spotlight to a fast rising D’Anthony Thomas. James could’ve had a better season but it’s not likely to get any better next year, I think that’s why he’s declaring.

Wolf. Wolfgang Wolf

by dbcouver on Dec 15, 2011 3:33 AM EST up reply actions