Sleeper running back: LaMichael James
by BisonDucks on Jul 2, 2009 5:25 PM PDT
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PrintLaMichael James hasn't played a down of D-1 football but the hype machine continues with the lastest article by Steven Lassan of Athlon. He dubs him as a sleeper running back along with notables Joe McKnight and Ryan Bass. He goes onto say,
"LaMichael James, Oregon - There's no question LeGarrette Blount is the starter, but the Ducks hope James can take 5-10 carries away per game and the offense not miss a beat. With Jeremiah Johnson sharing such a large chunk of the carries last year, the Ducks will find someone who can spell Blount, along with experiencing some fantasy success themselves."
I am as excited about him as the next person with his purported top shelf speed and seemingly natural field vision in the open space - a perfect marriage between CK's spread offense and his skillset is on the horizon come this fall. I started thinking about what 5-10 carries in this offense might mean for LaMichael James and the Oregon Ducks and, of course, the adrenal glands started pumping. At a 7 ypc clip (it's as good of a bet as three dollars a gallon gas this summer), he'd finish the season with roughly 420-840 yards rushing. If he reaches the latter figure than I am here to tell you that good things are in store for Oregon come the 2009 season and beyond. This all begs the question: what is a reasonable amount of production to expect from LMJ?
I am personally high on Alston (sorry Crenshaw) as well. For that reason, I believe that Alston and LMJ share time behind LGB to limit his production to around 500 yards. Of course, I just hope that the running back by committee theory doesn't run the risk of hurting the production of everybody, a la 'SC.
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I think LMJ will have a great fall camp and plant himself firmly as the lightning to Blount’s thunder. First team all-conference freshman team. Crenshaw will get a few carries, maybe a lot of time in the fourth quarter against the likes of Purdue, WSU and UW. I have a gut feeling that Alston’s recurring foot injuries may be the only legacy of his career as a Duck…hope not.
I'm really tired of it not being football season.
I just don't know
The hype for LMJ is huge but I need to see it on the field. Even practices have been limited because of the shoulder injury. The guy is a redshirt freshman running behind a rebuilt O-line. I’m not ready to buy into the hype that he is the second coming of Quizz but I’m cautiously optimistic.
In watching Alston and Crenshaw run last year, there isn’t anything especially explosive about their styles. If either of them can find that extra gear, look out. Both of these guys have had some good runs.
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
by dvieira on Jul 3, 2009 1:07 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Word.
I haven’t said it but have been thinking that – although James has an exciting skillset – it may not be developed enough yet for the coaches to make him our 1-B Halfback.
Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Good luck in the WNBA, Kamyron!
As a redshirt freshman, I certainly don’t expect JJ numbers from LMJ in year one. I do think he has a skill set that’s a level above Crenshaw and Alston. My thinking is that the offensive scheme is designed to get the running back in open space, and that could produce immediate results from LMJ. “Could” being the operative word. I seriously doubt he’ll look anything like Quizz running the ball up the middle, at least not this year.
What we don’t know about LMJ – and won’t until he plays – is his blocking ability when he isn’t option #1, his ability to catch the ball and get up field or his pass blocking skills. We could see Crenshaw line up more often in passing situations, though the coaching staff would likely be careful not to give up obvious “tells” regarding their play calling. LMJ is going to have to be effective in all aspects. If he’s not, Crenshaw, though not spectacular, may be the better option.
To BisonDucks’ point below, I think several of us ATQers at the first scrimmage were marveling at how Alston looked…right up to the point that he limped off the field with another foot injury. I hope he can come back 100 percent.
I'm really tired of it not being football season.
Exactly, and I feel that Crenshaw's "experience" and "balanced skills" may win him the job over an unknown in James.
Coaches are huge on known entities. What silliness!
Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Good luck in the WNBA, Kamyron!
After seeing LMJ run around on the field for 1+ year, I really doubt the Coaches view him as an “Unknown”.
I don’t share your feelings on the matter, especially as the coaches have never hesitated putting a talented Freshman RB on the field in the past.
"It’s spelled S-H-U-F-E-L-T-M-E-U-P"
You're right.
Though I meant more like unknown for games, and they’ve sure had a lot more time to look at the always-healthy Crenshaw.
You are right though, if they think he’s as much the real deal as we do, they’ll work him in. And the gods will cry big tears of joy. And Autzen will tip 130db. And Shufelt will spill his nachos all over his neckbeard.
Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Good luck in the WNBA, Kamyron!
I know LMJ is a talent, but I think a lot of the hype around him is due to the success of Jacquizz
Both similar sizes, both from Texas, both same age. I remember during the season, Duck fans trying to compare a redshirting LMJ vs what Jacquizz was doing. I’m sure he’ll be fine, but those kinds of injuries can be tough.
I support Takimoto in his effort to support Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.
I think the hype machine is due to said talent...
and less attributed to Quizz. LMJ is a perfect fit for this offense. Sure, Quizz reminds us that running back success can be had as a freshman. However, unlike OSU we have guys like Blount, Alston and Crenshaw that have proven themselves.
"All I am thinking about is that blue turf" - Masoli, on his dark-horse heisman candidacy.
I wasn't trying to say he's not talented
But after the success of Quizz, and the hype that he brought, people were looking for their “Quizz” and James fits the bill perfectly
I support Takimoto in his effort to support Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.
by The VD Special on Jul 8, 2009 8:06 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't think Quizz when I think LaMichael James.
Quizz would really be closer to Remene Alston. James is much, much faster than Quizz – though Quizz 50 times the between-the-tackles runner that James is. James looks for the sideline right off the bat.
They’re far too different to be called similar, I’m saying, I guess.
Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Good luck in the WNBA, Kamyron!
Huh?
Really? Because he’s short and young and from Texas? Really?
First, the hype for James started long before Quizz got on the scene. We as Oregon fans knew we had him waiting in the background behind Johnson and Blount, and that he was a likely #2 in 2009.
On top of that, even comparing these two backs is just silly. Quinn is totally correct in his analysis above. James and Quizz are nothing alike. They don’t have similar running styles or do similar things well. In fact, as runners, they could not be more polar opposites. In terms of expectations, they aren’t similar either. James is expected to be a 3rd down back, get some good outside runs, catch some balls. Quizz is supposed to be an everydown workhorse. I seriously do not understand how this comparison can be made.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
The same thing for Ethan Grant...
the hype machine will be cranking if we get his signature. I don’t think quick small guy, a la Quizz. I think versatile, speedy and athletic in the mold of Percy Harvin. I would never want Quizz in this offense. Quizz hides behind the line and can use his elusiveness to avoid linebackers to get 4-7 yards consistently. We want guys that slash and go. Ideally we could get a Jeremiah with a tad bit more top end speed.
"All I am thinking about is that blue turf" - Masoli, on his dark-horse heisman candidacy.
Jeremiah Johnson that is...
"All I am thinking about is that blue turf" - Masoli, on his dark-horse heisman candidacy.
I do see what VD was getting at. A lot of Duck fans (myself included) had labeled LMJ as the “next Quizz”, especially surrounding the Civil War last year when there was much ado about him attempting to replicate Quizz in practice.
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
James played Quizz.
Though I think Alston would be way more fitting as a replica.
Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Good luck in the WNBA, Kamyron!
especially surrounding the Civil War last year when there was much ado about him attempting to replicate Quizz in practice.
I always though that comparisson was ridiculous, considering their styles are not in any way similar.
Another question, what the heck does it even mean that he’s the ‘next Quizz’?
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
I think the comparison was more of a retort
to Beaver flaming. We got Quizz, We got Quizz… He’s a freshman all american and will win the heisman eventually. So what – we had the luxury of redshirting our stud freshman running back.
Bison's pretty much right
Just a “I’ll see your Quizz (if I squint hard enough) and raise you my LaMichael.”
Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Good luck in the WNBA, Kamyron!
Another question, what the heck does it even mean that he’s the ‘next Quizz’?
My understanding was that it reflected the “freshman phenom” thing
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
Thank you. Proof that I'm not making things up
There were articles in the Oregonian as well discussing James practicing as Quizz
I support Takimoto in his effort to support Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.
by The VD Special on Jul 9, 2009 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions
This is the article to which you are referring….
And really, it means absolutely nothing, because scout team players ALWAYS play the opposing player, whether it be QB or running back. Really, the only comparison between the two is that they are both short.
And in terms of the Oregon defense priase of James, how is this any different than the OSU praising McCant’s heading into last season.
The hype for James has absolutely nothing to do with Quizz, and everything to do with his own skill set, which is totally different from Jacquizz.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
The hype for James has absolutely nothing to do with Quizz, and everything to do with his own skill set, which is totally different from Jacquizz.
That may be true now but it wasn’t true last fall. When Quizz came on the scene, a lot of duck fans used LMJ as a way of saying “Oh, you think Quizz is good? Wait till you see LMJ!”. They may be very different runners but to the casual fan, they had two very important things in common. They are both of similar dimension and both are freshman.
I think its slightly revisionist to say that LMJ’s hype has nothing to do with Quizz. The comparisons may be sketchy at best but that doesn’t mean they didn’t exist. I’d put money down that Casual Duck Fan wouldn’t be as hyped for LMJ if Quizz didn’t have a breakout year last year.
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
I’m sorry, but anyone that thinks that James will be successful because Quizz was successful is incredibly stupid. That’s the type of in-depth analysis you get in the OregonLive comments.
Had Quizz never come on the scene, we would be expecting the exact same thing from James, as would most Duck fans, even if the stupid ones were trying to use him as a way to diminish Quizz’s accomplishments. On top of this, the “hype” for LMJ is that he’ll be a #2 back. Has that been increased because of Quizz? I seriously don’t think so, as we were talking about him taking that position at the beginning of LAST season.
If you read any decent analysis, the reason that James will be successful is because he will be the lightning to Blount’s thunder. He has a skill set that works perfectly in the Oregon offense, and will get a chance to succeed. There has been no mention of Quizz whatsoever.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
I think you guys both figured it out
It all depends on what fan you are talking about. Is it dumb for Mr or Mrs Casual Oregon Fan to be excited for LMJ because Jaquizz had a good year? Yes, but that has a lot to do with why they are excited. There is an undersized freshmen back getting it done in the Pac 10, in the state of Oregon, right there for them to see. It is really easy to translate that to our guy stepping in and producing. But still not the best reasoning, in fact maybe the worst.
However, there is also Mr or Mrs Over The Top Oregon Fan who knows the travel roster, the high school stats of redshirts, the recruits for 2012 and knows why our players are going to be good. We, yeah we, have been excited for LMJ to be the backup this year before we even knew who Jaquizz was. We know all about his skills, his style his speed, oh his speed, and how great of a fit he is. We are hyped for him for all the “right” reasons. And if we get a chance to say F you to the beavers because our tiny running back produces too then awesome. But for us there is no comparison related hype.
Oh and how good is this kid going to be. Have we ever had a flat out burner? So very excited.
Sleeping under an avalanche with Cartman, wake me Sept 3.
by trumpetduck on Jul 10, 2009 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions
oh indeed
I was mostly thinking about in the spread, but yes. Onterrio is pretty darn fast.
Sleeping under an avalanche with Cartman, wake me Sept 3.
Ahh, my bad.
Yeah, we have yet to see what Chip can do with a top-speed RB. Stoked much!
Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Good luck in the WNBA, Kamyron!
I’m sorry, but anyone that thinks that James will be successful because Quizz was successful is incredibly stupid. That’s the type of in-depth analysis you get in the OregonLive comments.
I don’t think anyone was claiming that. I think the crux of it was that Quizz was successful, Oregon had their own awesome little guy waiting in the wings and just you wait! That’s where the Quizz/LMJ hype came from. If Quizz sucked, that hype doesn’t exist.
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
Hype implies that something is being exaggerated….. While people may be talking about LMJ more because it’s easy to make ridiculous comparisons between the two, what is exaggerated about the expectations on James?
He’s supposed be a backup, and that fact is acknowledged by all but the most ridiculous of fans. He would have been expected to be the backup to Blount with or without Quizz.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
Hype would have still surrounded LMJ regardless of Jacquizz’s success or the hypothetical “lack of success”.
LMJ does not equal Jacquizz.
Jacquizz does not equal LMJ.
They are small running backs that played high school football in Texas. Comparison/hype beyond that is silly.
"It’s spelled S-H-U-F-E-L-T-M-E-U-P"
I’m just saying that just because people that take the time to research it see things more objectively doesn’t mean that the hype doesn’t exist in the stratosphere somewhere. it may be silly and stupid, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Fanbases everywhere have different factions to them.
I agree with all you’ve said but I agree with VD in the sense that hype existed and comparisons made.
You and JT may be looking at it from a level-headed perspective but people who do that tend not to be the ones hyping something where it isn’t appropriate.
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
calling LMJ the “next Jacquizz Rodgers” is the hype. It has nothing to do with being second string.
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
When has this happened? Because while some people may be saying this, it’s most definitely not a widespread view.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
I guess I’m at a different perspective that…
I’ve never compared LMJ and Quizz. It’s like comparing Tebow and Stafford. Apples and Oranges.
"It’s spelled S-H-U-F-E-L-T-M-E-U-P"
by JShufelt on Jul 10, 2009 3:02 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
It’s like comparing Tebow and Stafford.
This is like the best analogy I’ve seen yet here. Bravo.
Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Good luck in the WNBA, Kamyron!
I disagree with the comparisons, but you are absolutely right. I can remember many of my fellow Duck fans on the ESPN Pac-10 blog comparing LMJ to Quizz. I always thought that they were making silly comparisons, but just because I know that they are wrong doesn’t change the fact that plenty of my UO brethren were out there making outlandish and unbiased claims/comparisons. I was always embarrassed by such posts because they always reeked of jealousy. I could never understand why these people couldn’t simply say something along the lines “Quizz is having a great year, but wait until we see LMJ play starting next year, he is supposed to be the real deal too!”
Ho hum… I watched the Civil War and the Sun Bowl, never saw anyone name Quizz play. I hear he had a nice game against USC. Wake me up when he finishes a season. Personally, I think he’s headed for a sophomore slump – though it would be more the result of less carries and Canfield’s passing game than any drop in Quizz’s quality of play.
I am excited to see LMJ as the counter-punch to LGB.
I'm really tired of it not being football season.
by JConant on Jul 10, 2009 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
the next quiz
will involve some questions, answers, points, and a prize:
you design your own fan jersey and nike makes it for you.
mine would have a hoodie that has a masoli-like afro on it
and maybe a pancaked DB on the front
Keep forgetting we still have Crenshaw
dang we are deep.
by RipCityRoyCity on Jul 14, 2009 11:31 PM PDT reply actions
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