Scout’s Eye Review– LaMichael James vs. LSU

LaMichael James, Running Back, Oregon

Game: September 3/2011– Oregon @ LSU (Week 1)

Stat line:

Rushing– 18 attempts/54 yards/3.0 average/1 touchdown/o fumbles

Receiving–6 receptions/61 yards/16 long/0 touchdowns

Play-By-Play Breakdown:

First quarter– [+1 (reception), +1 (run), 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, +1 (run), 0, +1 (run), 0, 0, +1 (run), 0, 0, 0, 0] Total= +5

Second quarter– [-1 (run), 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, +1 (run), 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, +1 (TD Run), -1 (run)] Total= 0

Third quarter– [0, 0, 0, -1 (dropped pass)] Total= -1

Fourth quarter– [0, 0, 0, +1 (run), 0, -1 (run), 0, 0, +1 (block), 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, -1 (dropped pass), 0, 0, 0, +1 (run), o, +1 (reception), 0, 0, 0, 0, 0] Total= +2

GAME TOTAL

= +6 — positive impact—

Game Notes

I thought James played a very solid game.  He missed most of the third quarter due to a leg cramp, but he managed to battle through it in the fourth and I was very impressed with his work ethic late in the game, even after the score was out of reach for his Ducks.  James showed a great burst at times out of the back field and very solid vision (especially on third down).  He demonstrated a decent ability to catch the ball (mainly on swing routes), and he shows a willingness to block in the rare instances the Ducks actually used him in that role.  I am very intrigued to see where James goes in the 2012 Draft.  His size is definitely a question of concern and is something that will plague him throughout the process.  He will need to improve his route running and blocking technique if he wants to become anything more then a third down back at the next level.

How did you grade LaMichael James’ performance?