LaMichael James NFL Draft prospect notes

by Dan Kadar on Aug 12, 2011 4:02 PM EDT in 2012 NFL Draft

EUGENE OR - OCTOBER 21: LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs the ball against the UCLA Bruins on October 21 2010 at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

LaMichael James
5'9, 185 pounds | Running back | Oregon

First word: The positives and negatives in James' game are evident. He's a sensational athlete and will be a weapon for whoever picks him. Still, he's undersized and somewhat unproven in all areas of the pass game. As a running back prospect, James compares favorably to Jahvid Best, whom the Lions picked 30th overall in 2010.

James considered entering the 2010 NFL Draft but wisely returned for what will likely be his last season of college football. As a sophomore, James won the Doak Walker Award after rushing for 1,731 yards and 21 touchdowns. He ran for more than 200 yards in three different games last season, including a 257-yard game against Stanford.

Games viewed: (All 2010) Auburn, Oregon State, Stanford, USC, Washington

Bold statement: If Knile Davis is out for the season, James and Cyrus Gray will battle to be the second running back selected next season.

LaMichael James
5'9, 185 pounds | Running back | Oregon

Notes:

• Is more of a straight forward runner than many think. Combined with his agility and it's easy to see why James is so regarded.

• James is a weapon when he breaks the ball to the outside. Has a special combination of speed and vision and is almost a threat to break a big play.

• Not all that good at breaking tackles because of his size and lack of playing strength. Is more an avoidance runner who has to shy away from tackles.

• Shows a lot of wiggle and agility to get away from defenders.

• Technically sound carrying the ball, so he doesn't have many issues with fumbles.

• Hasn't really been utilized all that well as a pass catcher. Shows some skills as a pass catcher and is obviously talented after the catch.

• Mostly an effort blocker in the passing game. From a technical standpoint, he's a work in progress. Has trouble unless he knows exactly where his assignment is coming from.

• Suspended the first game of the 2010 season after pleading guilty to physical harassment against an ex-girlfriend.

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The best prospect at a specific position doesn't mean first player drafted.

If all goes as expected LaMichael James could get drafted before Trent Richardson. It all depends on a teams scheme and need. If a team is looking for a dynamic change of pace back when they already have a bruiser. The only position where I think its a consensus that the best player goes first is QB with Andrew Luck and even that could be a toss up.

by Robin's-meats-and-vegetables on Aug 12, 2011 4:17 PM EDT reply actions

. Still, he’s undersized

LaMike has added 10-15lbs since last year

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by The Legend on Aug 12, 2011 5:36 PM EDT reply actions

Lamichael James isn’t going to run as fast as expected, I guarantee it, he is a 4.4-4.5 runner with great quickness (not great long speed). If Andre Ellington is healthy he’ll be drafted higher and he’ll run better at the combine.

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by d-jackfan10 on Aug 13, 2011 3:51 AM EDT reply actions

He ran a 4.59 at winter conditioning but that was with the electronic timer which times slower. Last year he timed a 4.69 on it. His freshman year he ran a 4.44, I won’t be surprised if he runs a 4.3-4.4 at the combine. Also I don’t want to be a stat scout but no way Ellington gets drafted before LaMike

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by The Legend on Aug 13, 2011 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions

this article reminded me of the sadness that is Knile Davis's injury lol

I like Kenjon Barner more than James for some reason… maybe its his size

by vitzeng on Aug 13, 2011 4:01 AM EDT reply actions

They are the exact same size. The thing I like about Kenjon over LaMike in the pros is his special teams ability, he’s been a returner & a gunner for us

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by The Legend on Aug 13, 2011 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions

I really like Barner, much more than most I think.

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by Dan Kadar on Aug 13, 2011 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions

I’m biased but I love him too. I said recently that a small part of me wants LaMike to leave this year so Barner can be the man next year so we can see what he can do for a whole year as the lead back. I know it was just against New Mexico but it was really fun seeing him score 5 TDs in the 1st half when LaMike was suspended, if he stayed in the 2nd he would of easily scored at least a couple more.

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by The Legend on Aug 13, 2011 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions