Impossible Is Nothing: The King James of College Football

Painful silence was the only sound that could be heard in Autzen Stadium Thursday night while LaMichael James laid clenching his forearm on the damp turf. First impressions were bad, and the second ones were even worse. It looked as if it was a season, possibly career-ending injury for the star running back of the Oregon Ducks. 

For the rest of the game, the scene was solemn; an interesting twist as the Ducks were leading 43-15. But how could the Oregon faithful celebrate with the leader of this team in the locker room in so much pain?

James means more to this team than can be explained. A quiet, yet focused individual that leads by example on and off the field, James exudes excellence in all ways; showing hard work and determination in everything he does, and a work ethic unlike many others. A combination that will get him very far in life.

Duck fans expected the worst. Possibly a hospital trip and a season-ending injury. Unexpectedly, however, he arrived in the media room ready to take questions after the game. He explained that x-ray's were negative for his elbow, and it had just been dislocated.

Moreover, he suffered the same injury in high school only to be back on the field a week later. He joked he could tear each of his ACL's and he would still be on the field contributing to his team. I dare you to doubt him on that one, too.

Slowly, shock turned to relief, and relief turned to optimism throughout Eugene, and all I could help but think was how could I have been skeptical about his status his in the first place. The nation's leader in rushing is as tough as anyone in all of college football. 

James is the best running back in college football today. Yes, better than Trent Richardson, better than Montee Ball, and if any running back deserves to be in the Heisman discussion, its James.

James leads the nation in three categories, rushing yards (852), all-purpose yards (226.75), and punt returns (22.8). But that is something that many people would expect for the 2010 Heisman finalist in a prolific offense.

What people may not realize, however, is the person inside of this amazing talent. James cares more about his teammates than getting touches on the ball, alongside the work ethic to achieve anything he wants. Who else in college football today has that combination? 

James will most likely be out one or two weeks, a typical length of time for a dislocated elbow. But I wouldn't bet any longer, because he'll prove you wrong. He explained after Thursday's win that what hurt more was that he'll be unable to contribute to his team, not the current physical pain he was in. 

There are many amazing players in college football this year, as the race for the Heisman Trophy is practically a mess. But don't count out James quite yet. Not so fast my friend. Look for James to be in New York by the end of the season. As for James, impossible is nothing.