If there’s any Miami Hurricane fans have rooted for harder than others the past few years, it’s running back Mike James and #5 fulfilled a life-long dream on Saturday he was chosen twenty-first in the sixth round of the NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 5-foot-11, 222-pound tailback came to Miami as an early enrollee in January 2009 and spent most of his freshman season playing fullback that fall.
James was mostly relegated to a back-up roll as a sophomore and junior, playing in twenty-five games but only starting five. He amassed 673 yards and scored ten touchdowns.
James showed his true character, heart and spirit in late 2010 as a sophomore when he played in the Sun Bowl when Miami took on Notre Dame, days after his mother perished in a car accident. James skipped the funeral to be with his teammates, which he felt was the best way to honor his mother’s memory.
As a senior, James came into camp in the best shape of his career, working tirelessly in the off-season to get game-ready. Coaches praised his efforts and they paid off as a tougher, leaner, better James started all twelve games, ran for 642 yards and scored six touchdowns.
James was especially tough in a come-from-behind win at Georgia Tech, where he carried fifteen times for 89 yards and hauled in three receptions for 24 yards. James ran for three scores and had one receiving touchdown. His 25-yard run in overtime proved to be the game-winning score in a 42-36 victory.
Both James and teammate Brandon McGee, chosen by the St. Louis Rams in the fifth round, shared a bond having both lost their mothers and both dreaming of reaching the NFL to honor the women who gave them life. The fact that both are celebrating today, having accomplished such a huge life-goal is a wonderful thing. Congrats to both.
allCanes still has some signed James 8x10s in stock from a recent signing session. A limited number of signed McGee pics are also available for the time being, so pick up your little piece of UM history while you still can.