LaMichael James honored during halftime of Colorado game for induction into Hall of Fame

The 2023 College Football Hall of Fame class will be officially inducted during the 65th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on December 5th, 2023, at the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

LaMichael James cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players ever to suit up for the Oregon Ducks during his time there. He rushed for more than 5,000 career yards and helped propel the Ducks all the way to a win in the 2012 Rose Bowl over the Wisconsin Badgers.

In 2009, James exploded onto the scene, becoming the first freshman in school history to rush for over 1,000 yards. He averaged 118.9 yards per game, finishing with 1,546 rushing yards. At the end of the season, he earned Pac-10 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors and freshman All-American honors.

His 2010 season is when he became a breakout star for the Ducks, thriving in Chip Kelly’s offensive scheme. James shredded opposing defenses to the tune of 1,731 rushing yards, leading the nation in that stat category. He also finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting that year. James won the Doak Walker Award–given to the nation’s top running back. In 2011, the Texas native rushed for a school-record 1,805 yards. That season made him Oregon’s career rushing leader.

He also brought home first team All-American honors in 2010 and 2011.

His 5,082 total rushing yards currently rank 4th in Pac-12 Conference history and 19th in NCAA history.

As a high school prospect, James was rated as a four-star recruit and the No. 231 overall player in America in the 2008 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He played for Liberty-Eylau High School in Texarkana, Texas, where he played running back.

His junior season, he racked up 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns on 229 carries. As a receiver, he hauled in 33 catches for 500 yards and three touchdowns. His senior season, James was dominant, racking up 2,043 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns on just 230 carries.