LaMichael James Scouting Report, RB, Oregon

This is LaMichael James’ scouting report page. This scouting report will be updated continuously from now until the 2012 N.F.L. Draft.

Measurables

5’8 194 pounds, 9 inch hands, 30.25 inch arms

4.45 forty yard dash, 15 bench press reps, 35 inch vertical jump, 123 inch broad jump, 6.88 3 cone drill, 4.12 20 yard shuttle

(Oregon offical bio page) Led all running backs in the squat (465 pounds), bench press (295 pounds), electronic 20-yard (2.68 seconds), fly 30 (2.85 seconds) and electronic 40-yard (4.59 seconds) during winter conditioning

Stats

2010:

1731 rushing yards on 294 carries (5.89 yards per carry), 21 touchdowns. 17 receptions for 208 yards and three touchdowns. 1 punt return for -2 yards

2011: (through 10/4/2011)

65 attempts for 613 yards, 7 touchdowns, 11 receptions 159 yards and a touchdown. 5 punt returns for 114 yards (22.80) 1 touchdown.

NFLmocks’ preseason Scouting Report

if James finishes up his degree this year, I’d expect him to go. He’s one of the most explosive players on college. He’s small, but able to perform herculean runs, he’s mystifyingly quick, and he has track-star speed. His height, the NFL’s anti-spread bias (Despite recent success from Jonathan Stewart and LeGarrett Blount), and the more pass-happy nature of today’s pro game, will probably keep him from being a top 15 picks (If he declares for the draft early).

Ah yes, saving the best for last, I see. James has drawn comparisons to Warrick Dunn, and I see no reason why he can’t have that type of impact in the NFL. He isn’t a big runner, but he is definitely a ball of fire and can score from anywhere on the field. I expect him to be in the first round discussion all season long, provided he stays healthy.

PROS: Explosive speed…great burst…good vision…elite athlete…very good receiver out of backfield…elusive in the open field…has the ability to take over a game…shifty…can stop on a dime and change direction…underrated north/south runner…durable…very productive…

CONS: Undersized at5’8”, which comes with other flaws, potentially (always makes teams worry about durability)….Needs to be a complementary back in the NFL because he’s not a powerful in between the tackles kind of runner…though he’s a good receiver out of the backfield doesn’t run a lot of different routes out of the backfield…like most young players will to work a lot on blitz pickups…domestic abuse charge he’ll have to explain…not going to drag defenders…fumbling issues

Player comparison: LeSean McCoy/Warrick Dunn

Projected round: late 1st/early second…especially if he runs a good 40 and continues to stay healthy this year

Video

James vs LSU 2011

James Highlights

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