Arguably the greatest player to ever walk through the Autzen tunnel, or to ever put on a Oregon Duck uniform, LaMichael James has had one of the most memorable careers I think I’ve ever witnessed at Oregon. Breaking tackles that some thought were stuffed, squeezing through holes that were stormed by defenses, extending plays that were doomed to be a sack and turned out to be a touchdown. LaMichael James’ historic career here at Oregon will always be remembered.

So now after hearing news that James has finally decided to enter himself into the 2012 NFL Draft, I think it’s only fitting that we all congratulate LaMichael James in a fitting way. Considering all that James has done for this program, I credit him for a large amount of Oregon’s success over the last three years. He has obviously been the most outstanding player here putting up record after record, and leading us to BCS bowl games three years in a row.

Out of all the years rooting for the Ducks, I have never seen a more unbelievable play-maker than LaMichael James. His ability to run the ball where ever he see’s an opening was magnificent, and his leadership on and off the field was amazing. So now that the point of him finally moving on to his next career as an NFL player has come, it brings a lot of questions for next year, along with some sadness as well.

Some notable awards, honors, and records James broke in his 3 year career at Oregon:

Oregon’s single season rushing leader with  1,805 yards in the 2011-12 season.

Oregon’s all time rushing leader with 5,082 yards.

First Pac 12 player to have three straight +1,500 yard rushing seasons.

2010 Doak Walker Award

2010 Heisman FInalist (Finished 3rd in voting)

2009 Pac 10 Offensive Freshman of the Year

James will go down as the greatest player to ever play at Oregon, and arguably one of the best running backs ever to come through the Pac 12 conference. I wish him a wonderful and successful career in the NFL, and thank him for all his work and effort at Oregon. He will be missed greatly but we will forever hold onto our memories of him as a Oregon Duck.