Oregon RB James to enter NFL Draft

Jan 7, 2012 - 12:08 AM Eugene, OR (Sports Network) - Former Heisman Trophy finalist LaMichael James, who set the all-time rushing yards record at Oregon, will skip his senior season and enter the NFL Draft.

The junior running back hasn't hired an agent yet, but will do so in the near future, according to a press release issued by Oregon on Friday.

In a statement, James said he was lucky to have been a part of the Oregon program and called Eugene a "home away from home and a place I will always hold in high regards."

"As for my coaches and teammates -- they are my family," said James. "I love each and every one of them and am eternally grateful for having each of them be a part of my life. It has been both an honor and a privilege to be a part of something as great as the UO family."

James was a Heisman Trophy finalist last season, when he helped lead the Ducks to the BCS National Championship Game against Auburn. He finished third in the voting behind quarterbacks Cam Newton of Auburn and Andrew Luck of Stanford.

He averaged 150.4 yards a game for Oregon (12-2) this past season, rushing for 1,805 yards and 18 touchdowns, and set the school rushing record with 5,082 career yards.

James rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown in Oregon's 45-38 victory over Wisconsin in Monday's Rose Bowl.