LaMichael James: The Forgotten Candidate?

Cam Newton Deserves
Heisman Hype, But
So Does Oregon Star

By JOHN P. WISE
One Great Season

I know most Heisman voters are leaning toward Cam Newton, but it's surprising the way many are treating the race for sports' most coveted individual honor like it's a foregone conclusion.

Do we not remember a guy named LaMichael James?

The Oregon sophomore leads the nation in rushing yards per game (166) and rushing touchdowns (17). And despite missing the season opener, his 1,331 yards on the ground comprise the second-highest total in the country. If he maintains his averages, he'll conclude the regular season with 1,830 yards and 23 rushing touchdowns, for a No. 1 Oregon team that could very well finish 12-0 and headed for the national championship.

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James has scored two or more touchdowns in six of the eight games he's played in this year, and has rushed for 227 yards or more three times. And unofficially, he leads the country in big-play touchdowns replayed on "SportsCenter." I mean, have you seen anyone score on long runs more frequently than James?

Sure Newton has also posted gaudy numbers for a great Auburn team, but James should be getting more consideration. And he just might get it because Oregon's final three games are being played at reasonable hours for east-coast viewers, two of which will be nationally televised.

If you haven't seen James and his Ducks, I suggest you take a look:

+ Sat., Nov. 13: Oregon at California (7:30 p.m. ET, Versus)

+ Fri., Nov. 26: Arizona at Oregon (7 p.m. ET, ESPN)

+ Sat., Dec. 4: Oregon at Oregon State (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC)

Comments

[Guy Corporal]

Here here! James is amazing to watch. He also has posted these numbers while typically only playing two quarters of each game.