LaMichael James: Best Oregon Running Back?
By Editorial Staff
Is LaMichael James the best running back ever to have played for the University of Oregon? James is within 20 yards of Derek Loville’s career rushing record (3,296). Outside of an injury James will smash this record in only three seasons (Loville played four years as a Duck). I have enjoyed watching James playing these past two years. The rapid fire rushing attack has changed how many schools play (or want to play) on offense. Number 21 is a great college football player and he will have another tremendous year in 2011. Oregon hasn’t been short of outstanding tailbacks throughout the years; Jonathan Stewert, Derek Loville, Reuben Droughns, Bobby Moore (Ahmad Rashad), Maurice Morris, Onterrio Smith, Saladin McCullough, and LeGarrette Blount.
I believe LaMichael James made the right choice staying at Oregon for at least one more season. James had an incredible 2010 season, but I don’t think he was an NFL ready tailback. James finished the season around 185 pounds (5’9) a little on the small side for Sunday. Reports from Eugene now have James closer to 200. A runner like James needs to find a comfortable mix of bulk that doesn’t downgrade his speed and agility. The other knock on James is the offensive system that he plays in. Similar to QBs, Tailbacks playing in spread offenses are frowned upon by NFL front office personnel. No NFL team uses a spread system and players coming from these systems are not usually ready to play right away at the next level. The development is lacking in the college game.
James has outstanding vision, excellent instincts, fast feet, and can cut on a dime. We all know James is the man, but this record is more than one man. This record should be given to Chip Kelly, the offensive line, as well as LaMichael James. I believe that James is the best back ever to play at Oregon based on his production. I am curious to see how he transitions to the NFL game. Stewert should be the best back in the NFL but I think another former Duck, Blount may take the cake. I wonder just what the Tennessee Titans were thinking when they cut Blount last year. With Chris Johnson not playing while holding out for his career contract having a productive beast like LaGarrette in the backfield would ease the minds of the Titan faithful.
What we know now is that records will be shattered this season by James and as good as he is I hope to hear him give credit to everyone who has helped him become a future NFL player.