30 Best College Running Backs of All-Time
Career Statistics
- Games: 37
- Carries: 771
- Rushing Yards: 5,082
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 137.4
- Rushing Yards Per Season: 1,694
- Rushing Touchdowns: 53
- Yards Per Carry: 6.6
- Receptions: 51
- Receiving Yards: 586
- Receiving Touchdowns: 4
- Notable: Doak Walker Award, All-American, 2010
Overlooked at times because of the uptempo, no-huddle offense he played in under Oregon head coach Chip Kelly, and because he played in an era that has awarded only two running backs with the Heisman Trophy in 14 seasons, LaMichael James posted one of the most impressive three-year college careers ever for a running back. In fact, James is one of only three players in NCAA Division I history to run for more than 5,000 career yards in just three years, joining Garrett Wolfe and Herschel Walker.
Expected to back up LeGarrette Blount as a freshman, James was thrown into the starting role when Blount was suspended early in the 2009 season and responded by rushing for 1,546 yards and 14 touchdowns on 230 carries (a BCS-leading 6.7 yards per carry). James was even better as a sophomore and led the nation with 1,731 rushing yards, 1,939 yards from scrimmage, and 24 total touchdowns (21 rushing, three receiving) as a sophomore in 2010, and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting, won the Doak Walker Award and was named an All-American. Oregon went undefeated in the regular season and lost to Auburn in the BCS National Championship Game.
As a junior, James eclipsed 2,000 total yards for the first time with 1,805 rushing yards and 210 receiving yards. He scored 18 touchdowns on the ground, was on the receiving end on one TD pass, and also scored on a punt return. James declared for the NFL Draft and finished his career as the all-time leader in Oregon history with 5,082 rushing yards.
Next: Marshall Faulk