Hall of Fame
Position: Running Back
Years: 2009-11
Place of Birth: New Boston, TX
Date of Birth: October 22, 1989
Jersey Number: 21
Height: 5-9
Weight: 195
High School: Liberty-Eylau (Texarkana, TX)
LaMichael James established himself as one of the most thrilling and electrifying players of his era, rushing for more than 5,000 yards and leading the Ducks to the top of the national rankings during his three seasons in Eugene. The Texarkana, Texas, native now becomes the sixth Oregon player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A two-time First Team All-American, including unanimous accolades in 2010, James claimed the Doak Walker Award in 2010 as the nation's best running back after leading the nation in rushing yards (1,731), yards from scrimmage (1,939) and touchdowns (24). His stellar 2010 performance also landed him third in Heisman Trophy voting. Having launched his Ducks career as a an FWAA Freshman All-American in 2009, he bookended his time in Eugene as a finalist for the 2011 Doak Walker and Paul Hornung awards.
James' efforts helped the Ducks amass a 34-6 record and three consecutive BCS bowls, including an appearance in the 2011 Tostitos BCS National Championship against Auburn and a 45-38 win over Wisconsin in the 2012 Rose Bowl. With James in the backfield, the Ducks finished in the national rankings at No. 11 in 2009, No. 3 in 2010 and No. 4 in 2011 while claiming three Pac-10/12 championships.
A two-time First Team All-Conference selection (2010, 2011), James became just the third non-kicker since 1980 to lead the Pac-12 in scoring in back-to-back years. He is tied for second all-time with three 1,000-yard seasons in a career, and he is one of three players in conference history to rush for 1,700 yards in consecutive seasons. Recognized as a Second Team All-Conference performer as a freshman, he was named the 2009 Pac-10 Freshman of the Year while setting the Pac-12 record for yards by a freshman (1,546).
A two-time Team MVP, James led Oregon to its first 12-win season in school history in 2010, repeating the feat in 2011. He holds school records for career 200-yard games (7), single-season yards per rush (7.31 in 2011), rushing touchdowns in a season (21 in 2010), rushes in a season (294 in 2010), points scored in a season (144 in 2010), and 100-yard games by a freshman (9). He ranks second in program history in career rushing yards (5,082), career rushing touchdowns (53), career 100-yard games (26), career points (348), rushing yards in a season (1,805 in 2010), and rushing yards in a game (288 vs. Arizona, 2011). He led the Ducks in rushing all three seasons and in scoring his last two seasons. He finished his career with 771 rushes for 5,082 yards and 53 touchdowns, adding 51 receptions for 586 yards and four touchdowns.
Drafted in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, James played for San Francisco (2012-14) and Miami (2014-15).
He currently owns and operates Killer Burger franchises in Lake Oswego and Beaverton with a third location opening in Eugene later this month.
