Former Oregon running back LaMichael James was drafted with the 61st overall pick in the second round of the NFL draft on Friday.
James, who set a school record in his three seasons with 5,082 career rushing yards and was twice named an All-American, ranks as Oregon’s highest draft pick since T.J. Ward was selected 38th overall in 2010. He is the first of a slew of former Ducks, including tight end David Paulson and linebacker Josh Kaddu, to be drafted to an NFL team.
The Texarkana, Texas native will join a San Francisco backfield that includes Frank Gore and newly acquired former New York Giant Brandon Jacobs. The 49ers are coming off a breakout 2011 season that saw them win 13 games and make it to the NFC Championship game (which they lost to Jacobs’ Giants). Aside from staying in Pac-12 territory on the West Coast, James will also team up with former Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Alex Smith, who was drafted No. 1 overall back in 2005 out of Utah.
Harbaugh, for his part, is plenty familiar with James’ talent — in 2010, the Oregon star ran for 257 yards and three touchdowns in a 52-31 victory over the Cardinal.
As soon as James was drafted early Friday evening, the Twitter world exploded and “RB LaMichael James” was soon trending worldwide:
First, his close friend Kenjon Barner had to weigh in:
S/O to my bro LMJ congrats bro welcome to the Niner family
— Kenjon Barner (@KBDeuce4) April 28, 2012
@LaMichaelJames lmfao wow all that stuff u used to talk to me now ur a Niner Congrats couldn’t be happier for u fam it all paid off
— Kenjon Barner (@KBDeuce4) April 28, 2012
Then, in the age of instant analysis, the media began to break down what James would bring to the table…
49ers see Darren Sproles like “space player”. As I said Harbaugh is creative. Unafraid to mix a traditional power O w/ spread elements.
— Smart Football (@smartfootball) April 28, 2012
LaMichael James to the 49ers. From tormenting Harbaugh to playing for him.
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) April 28, 2012
49ers are not fooling around, I see. With LaMichael James added to the mix they’ve assembled quite an arsenal on offense.
— Michael Smith (@undecided) April 28, 2012
I love SF drafting LaMichael James as he will bring to their offense what Darren Sproles brought to SD & NO.
— Russell Lande (@RUSSLANDE) April 28, 2012
LaMichael James says he can do anything for #49ers other than rushing: “Return, run down on kickoffs, block field goals, whatever tm needs”
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) April 28, 2012
More of his teammates and classmates also provided their takes:
Congrats @LaMichaelJames… When are you taking the o-line to dinner? Ha
— Carson York (@CarsonYork) April 28, 2012
Congratsto the fellow Duck @LaMichaelJames. He was court side at a few Mbb games this year.
— Olu Ashaolu (@O_Ash) April 28, 2012
S/O to @LaMichaelJames u coming to the bay.c what we living like out here ha
— Josh Kaddu (@JoshKaddu) April 28, 2012
And it wasn’t just limited to Twitter, of course. Just look at James’ phone:
This is why I can’t respond… twitter.com/LaMichaelJames…
— LaMichael James (@LaMichaelJames) April 28, 2012
