Oregon Ducks: Why LaMichael James Entering the Draft is Best for Both Parties

After yet another Heisman-worthy season, Oregon's superstar RB LaMichael James has decided to forego his senior season and has entered his name into the 2012 NFL Draft. 

Even though he missed two games with a dislocated right elbow, LJ rushed for a school record 1,805 yards and led the nation with 150.4 rushing yards per game.

How Leaving Early May Help Oregon

James' decision directly impacts Chip Kelly and Oregon's system, but not as drastically as everyone thinks. As brilliant of a runner as LJ is, the Ducks also have another above-average RB in Kenjon Barner, who has shared a lot of the snaps with James throughout the season.

Barner racked up 932 yards and 11 touchdowns on 152 touches this season. Even more importantly, in two games that James was injured, he rushed for a combined 286 yards on 41 carries. If he becomes the featured back in Kelly's spread offense, Barner will have more of an opportunity to show his full potential.

We'll also be able to see more of De'Anthony Thomas in the backfield—something I'm sure everyone who's seen the true freshman play will appreciate.

"The Black Mamba" (Thomas' nickname bestowed upon him by rapper Snoop Dogg) has piled up 595 rushing yards on 55 touches for a ridiculous average of 10.8 yards per carry. Not only that, but he's got seven touchdowns on the season, including his Rose Bowl record-setting 91-yard TD run against Wisconsin last week. He also leads the team in receiving yards with 605 off of an Oregon second-best 46 receptions.

James leaving for the Draft will help both of them develop into the beasts that they have the potential to become.

Why Leaving Now is Best for LaMichael James

You could argue that James should stay one more season and help Oregon try for another BCS Championship Game, but the fact of the matter is that his stock is as high as it's going to get right now.

LJ suffered an ugly elbow injury earlier in the season, and if something like that were to happen again, it would only be worse for his future in the NFL.

James is an undersized RB. At 5'9," 185 pounds, he's a lot smaller than many NFL general managers want as their feature back for their offense. And he's not a traditional speed back, either. LJ is a power back in a scat back's body. He's got ridiculous straight-line speed, and has the leg strength to keep churning even when the defense has already made contact. 

Likely a third-round draft pick, the only way LJ can increase his stock is at the NFL combine, where he'll show these scouts exactly how fast and how strong he really is. Staying at Oregon another season won't help him.

Not only is James leaving for the draft early best for himself, but it's best for the development of other Ducks as well. He gives Barner a chance to make his own legacy, and possibly increase his own stock in the 2013 NFL Draft, and Thomas more wiggle room to create even more big plays for the Oregon Ducks.

LJ's left his mark in Oregon history, but it's time for him to move on.