LaMichael James

Earlier this week I focused on A.J. Jenkins, recent first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers. I took a look at his collegiate numbers from the 2011 season and crunched them to come up with a better understanding of how the former Illinois standout might produce for the 49ers in 2012 and moving forward.

Now it is time to take a look at one of the most exciting college football players of the modern era, LaMichael James. His game film is awe-inspiring, his ability to take it to the house is second to none and his blazing speed leaves many defenders yards behind in a cloud of dust.

However, James wasn't considered anywhere near a first-round talent. Skeptics called him "too small" or a "product of Oregon's spread offense." While those criticisms might be justified, it is hard to argue against production.

So let's take a look at the numbers for a bit here.

2011 Statistics: 247 rushes, 1,805 yards, 7.3 average and 18 touchdowns

James, who led the Pac-10 in rushing yards as a sophomore in 2010, brought the gauntlet again last season. He led the conference in yards from scrimmage and rushing yards once again in 2011, besting players like Chris Polk and USC standout Robert Woods in each specific category.

James also ran for over 1,100 yards in seven conference games last season, a number that beat out each rival by over 200 yards. In the process, the former Oregon back averaged over seven yards per rush and 157 yards per game. 

Overall, James finished second in the nation in rushing yards (1,805) and first in rush average (7.3) among backs with over 200 attempts. Needless to say, there is no reason to question his production.

Crunching the Numbers Further

There has always been a question as it relates to Pac-12 defenses. They are not considered nearly as good as units in the SEC or Big Ten. While this is a fair point to make, James came up big against some of the best defenses that college football had to offer throughout his three seasons in Eugene.

In five career games against Auburn, Ohio State, Louisiana State, Tennessee and Wisconsin, James had the following numbers combined: 591 total yards and five touchdowns.

Going up against Michael Brockers and a stout LSU defense to start the 2011 season, James accumulated 115 yards on 24 touches.This despite the fact that Oregon was playing from behind most of the game and had to rely on the passing game to catch up near the end.

His performance against the best that the Pac-12 had to offer was equally amazing. In eight career games against Stanford and Southern California, James put up a staggering 1,136 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, including a 257-yard, three-score performance against a Jim Harbaugh-led Stanford team in 2010.

Can James Handle the Load?

At 5'8', 194 James doesn't possess "prototypical" running back size. But what does that term even mean at this point?

Fellow Bleacher Report writer Dan Levy covered this issue in a recent article by comparing James to two of the best running backs in the National Football League.

...James is an inch taller than Maurice Jones-Drew, who admittedly was heavier coming out of college (listed near 207 pounds). James is the same height as Ray Rice, who was listed at 199 pounds out of Rutgers. Rice is now listed at 212 pounds.

Of course this is something you wouldn't hear from skeptics, who consistently point to players like Adrian Peterson (6'2", 217). They conclude a player of James' stature just cannot carry the load at the next level.

For comparison's sake, Jones-Drew led the entire NFL in rushing attempts last season with 343. In fact, he ranks near the top of that category over the course of the last three seasons.

In no way is Levy, or myself, comparing James to the best running backs in the National Football League. It is more about acquiring an understanding that size really doesn't have an overwhelming factor in the success of a running back at the next level.

Hell, Emmitt Smith, one of the greatest running backs in the history of the league, was just one inch taller than James and weighed about a dozen pounds more coming out of Florida.

Despite nagging injuries that seemed to plague James at Oregon, he didn't wear done as the season progressed. He averaged nearly a full yard per rush more in December than in November, despite playing against stiffer competition.

James rushed the ball 20-plus times in a total of 23 games at Oregon, accumulating 100 yards in all but three of those games. These are numbers that are eerily reminiscent to Frank Gore with the 49ers.

What Does This Say?

As with the A.J. Jenkins article earlier, I am not drawing conclusions that James is going to end up being the best running back in the NFL. That would be absolutely foolish in the grand scheme of things.

What this article was meant to do is provide you (and myself) with more insight in regards to what the 49ers got when the drafted James out of Oregon.

We all already had a good understanding of how truly dominant he was in college. Something that just isn't a good gauge to scout a prospect heading into the NFL. And this probably rings true as it relates to James.

Those splits that I provided you, as well as the comparisons to both Ray Rice and Maurice Jones-Drew, are probably better indicators of possible success for James moving forward.

At the very least, James is going to bring another dimension to the field for the 49ers. In reality, something that they have not had in quite some time. His ability to take it to the house on every play will only be magnified by the 49ers pull-blocking scheme, which should open up holes on the outside.

These are other factors that I am pretty sure Trent Baalke and Co. took into account when selecting James in the second round.

Either way, it should be fun to watch him play as a rookie in 2012.

The San Francisco 49ers made a surprising but excellent move by drafting Oregon's LaMichael James. And the former Duck plans on making plays in 2012. But so do the other talented running backs on the stacked 49ers roster.

Frank Gore is the undisputed starter at the running back position. He has had an excellent career and had a great season in 2011. But Gore will be competing for touches this season. How couldn't he? The 49ers brought in a two-time Super Bowl champion in Brandon Jacobs, and when he is in form, Jacobs is one of the game's toughest runners.

The 49ers also have Rock Cartwright, Anthony Dixon and Kendall Hunter on their roster. Cartwright is more of a special teams player and shouldn't compete for too many carries. Dixon is a decent back but only rushed for 87 yards in 2011. But Hunter is young, hungry, talented and proven.

So let the 2012 running back competition begin.

James was one of the premier backs in the draft. And since San Francisco used a second-round pick on him, they will give him touches. James will be expected to be a playmaker, but Gore has proven to be one. Gore has rushed for over 1,000 yards in five of his seven seasons. But Jacobs brings experience, toughness and emotional leadership from New York.

Jim Harbaugh has put the 49ers into a good situation. He has a Pro Bowler in Gore, a winner in Jacobs, potential in Hunter and playmaking abilities in James. All that's left to do is the hardest part of all—divide carries.

Gore deserves the most carries of the backs, especially off a 1,000-yard season. Jacobs is a back who wants the ball as much as possible, and his bruising style makes him hard to ignore. Hunter worked hard in 2011, rushing for over 400 yards in limited carries, and has earned some touches for this season. But James wasn't taken in the second round to sit on the bench or solely return kicks.

The 49ers also made an effort to be an aerial threat. They made a run at Peyton Manning and failed. They signed Randy Moss and drafted A.J. Jenkins in the first round. Quarterback Alex Smith had a solid season last year and now has more weapons to work with.

Although the running game won't be ignored, San Francisco has certainly made an effort to be a good passing team. This will lead to a decrease of running plays, even though their backfield is as solid as ever.

So expect Gore to get the majority on the carries. Jacobs should get short-yardage carries and should be a good red-zone back. About 75 percent of the carries will be split between Gore and Jacobs. Hunter may be used as a change-of-pace back, but figures to see diminished production. James will be given opportunities to not only carry the ball, but he be a threat in the passing game.

No matter how the carries are divided, the running backs will each be unsatisfied. Each back will want more carries and will want to prove they deserve a bigger role. And that is a great thing for San Francisco. Each running back will compete for carries; they won't be given. Competition will make everyone better, and they will push each other to be the best they can be.

So whichever running back gets his number called on game day, expect him to be playing at a high level. Each back will want to make the most of their opportunities. And if one underwhelms, there are plenty of backs willing to show they can do better.

Harbaugh did an excellent thing by stocking talent in the 49ers backfield. With all of the talent, somebody will emerge as the starter. Will Gore keep his job or will Jacobs take away carries? There are lots of scenarios and a possible running back by committee. But one thing is certain: the 49ers figure to have a feared ground game come September.

The San Francisco 49ers are doing everything in their power in the 2012 NFL draft to ensure that the 26th-ranked offense from 2011 doesn’t again rear its often ugly face this season.

After adding speedy wide receiver A.J. Jenkins with their first-round pick, GM Trent Baalke selected Oregon’s dynamic running back, LaMichael James at No. 61 overall.

James was one of the most explosive offensive weapons in all of college football for the last three seasons.

As a freshman in 2009, he rushed for 1,546 yards and 14 touchdowns at a 6.7-per-carry clip. He added 17 catches for 168 yards.

In 2010, James led the NCAA with 1,731 rushing yards and 1,939 yards and 24 total touchdowns from scrimmage.

As if not to be undone in his junior year, James compiled a career-high 1,805 rushing yards at a ridiculous 7.3 yards per carry and 2,015 yards from scrimmage. Add 18 touchdowns on the ground and one each through the air and via a punt return to his growing list of accomplishments.

Simply put, the 5’8’’, 194-pound James epitomizes consistency, production and home run threat.

In the interest of journalistic integrity, James will arrive at the 49ers camp with some identifiable weaknesses.

His 194-pound frame will leave some to be desired in the area of pass protection, despite his willingness to fulfill these responsibilities. He also displayed some instances of exposing the rock to defenders, leading to a moderate fumble percentage (much improved during his senior season).

Additionally, James might not have as much success breaking tackles in the NFL. He possesses great overall strength, but won’t run over any linebacker at the next level.

Then again, he won’t have to. His speed, agility, vision and competitiveness will provide all he needs to succeed for the 49ers.

Let’s now segue into the more pertinent aspect regarding LaMichael James. How will he fit with the 49ers offense and special teams?

Some will immediately point to the fact that this team already has a smaller, change-of-pace back and outside runner in Kendall Hunter. While I agree somewhat, Hunter is not nearly as fast or elusive as James.

Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman will salivate at the myriad ways in which to diversify their West Coast offense through the former Oregon back. He thrives in screens, has reliable hands and will take it to the house with any daylight in front of him.

Despite being an underrated inside runner, Frank Gore will continue to occupy that role. Both James and Hunter will only take this offense to greater heights, removing it from the dregs of the lowly NFL rankings. Both will help convert that deplorable third-down and red-zone conversion percentage from 2011 into a more respectable number in 2012.

The 49ers organization and fans alike scored big with this move. This team was simply in a position to draft for BPA (best player available) and make a luxury selection.

I can guarantee that many will lambast Trent Baalke for neglecting to select a right guard, cornerback or defensive lineman through the first two rounds.

But, again, this is not and was never a need-based draft for the San Francisco 49ers.

With all of the offseason additions and two recent draftees in Jenkins and James, the offense for the Red and Gold will show to the NFL that the 26th-ranked unit in 2011 was a thing of the past.

Oh, he’ll also pair with Ted Ginn on kick and punt returns if special teams coach Brad Seely ever feels so inclined.

Grade: A

The San Francisco 49ers' bizarre draft continued on Friday in the second round when they selected Oregon running back LaMichael James at No. 61 overall.

But just because the 49ers' draft has been bizarre doesn't mean it's been a bad draft.

It must first be said that, beyond guard, the 49ers only needed to add depth heading into the 2012 NFL Draft. That's important to recognize because what they have done in the first two rounds screams "complementary players."

The 49ers first selected Illinois receiver A.J. Jenkins, who, if anything else, will be a solid downfield threat given his elite speed (the 49ers clocked him in the 4.3-second range in the 40-yard dash). The 49ers only have one other downfield threat at receiver, and that's 35-year-old Randy Moss. 

So when the 49ers drafted a running back in James who was largely considered a third-round prospect given his durability concerns, they were simply adding a change-of-pace back to complement Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter in San Francisco.

If you are drafting James as a feature back, you are going about it all the wrong way. But if you draft him as a situational player who can come in on third downs and add to the passing game, you are drafting smart.

The 49ers may have selected James a little early, but there was also the chance that he wouldn't have been available in the third round. They were probably doing the same thing they did with Jenkins: Grab the guy you want, even if it means drafting him a little high.

With Jenkins, and now James, the 49ers are adding weapons for quarterback Alex Smith, who enjoyed a career season in 2011. And, with Jenkins and James, the 49ers are setting up Smith to succeed once again.

Remember when the 49ers drafted Aldon Smith at No. 7 overall last year? That was also considered a reach given Smith was largely considered a raw pass-rusher. But they set Smith up to succeed on the outside and all of a sudden he finished with 14 sacks in his rookie season.

It may have been shocking that the 49ers grabbed James on Friday, but you only have to look at the organization's recent draft history to see the consistency to their approach.

Follow me on Twitter. We can talk about the 2012 NFL draft together.