Makes Cut as Player to Watch

The University of Oregon today said that sophomore running back LaMichael James has been named one of 15 players to watch by the Walter Camp Football Foundation for the 2010 player of the year award.

LaMichael James is one of three running backs in the nation to make the list. A final paring to five finalist will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 1st.

James is the Ducks' second all-time leading rusher with 2,968 yards and is the top rusher in the country averaging 158 yards per contest. He has also scored 18 touchdowns this season.

Earlier in the day, the Pacific-10 Conference named James a conference 1st team all-academic for this season.

Along with the Walter Camp award, James is also being a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, recognizing the outstanding player in college football, and the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top running back.

According to a media release from the Oregon Athletic Department the Camp Award will be announced live on Thursday, December 9, during the 3 p.m. PT edition of ESPN’s SportsCenter.

Oregon has a bye this week after beating California last Saturday, 15-13. The Ducks are 10-0 for the season, 7-0 in the Pac-10 and are the BCS No. 1 team as well as ranked first in the AP and USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll. Oregon next faces Arizona on Oct. 26th. The final regular game of the season is the Civil War against Oregon State on Dec. 4th.