LaMichael James: Oregon Ducks' Star RB Debunks Draft Rumors

Funny thing about those reports that LaMichael James was destined for the 2012 NFL Draft—they were news to him too.

The star running back for the Rose Bowl-bound Oregon Ducks claims he hasn't discussed the decision with anyone of consequence, namely his family and his coaches, and, as such, has yet to determine whether or not he'll return to Eugene for his senior season.

The junior from Texarkana, Texas is coming off yet another outstanding regular season during which he finished fourth in the nation in rushing with 1,646 yards to go along with 17 touchdowns on the ground. James has racked up better than 1,500 yards rushing in each of his three years in an Oregon uniform.

As far as the NFL is concerned, though, James is far from the perfect prospect. His size (5'9, 185 pounds) leaves much to be desired and his production came within the context of Chip Kelly's spread offense. As such, James doesn't exactly grade out as an every-down back at the next level, but rather as more of a Darren Sproles clone, to be utilized on screen plays and in the return game.

James currently grades out as one of the best draft-eligible backs, behind the likes of Alabama's Trent Richardson, Wisconsin's Montee Ball and Virginia Tech's David Wilson. However, that hardly guarantees he'll have his name called during the first two days of the draft, if at all.

A return to school would also give James the opportunity to compete for his fourth conference championship in as many years, with USC serving as the Ducks' most likely foil in the Pac-12.

That being said, there's little that James would be able to prove by coming back to school, unless the Ducks suddenly decided to institute a more traditional offensive scheme and/or use James between the tackles. What's more, the current draft crop is particularly thin on running backs, which should boost James' value in and of itself.

Whatever happens, though, those "sources" familiar with James situation may want to check with the man himself before they go around publishing reports about his future in football.

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