Oregon flips 4-star running back Jordan James from Georgia
Oregon scored a big win on National Signing Day Wednesday.
Former Georgia commit and 4-star running back Jordan James announced during a signing day ceremony that he has committed to the Ducks.
#BREAKING: 4⭐️ running back Jordan James has committed to @oregonfootball LIVE on the 247Sports Signing Day Show! 🦆
James was originally committed to Georgia. pic.twitter.com/LRBGJOn4e3
— 247Sports (@247Sports) February 2, 2022
The 5-foot-10, 205-pound tailback from Oakland (Tenn.) High is ranked as the No. 16 back in his class, per the 247 Composite. He’s a top-200 prospect overall with a pretty good feel running between the tackles. Over the past two seasons, James has rushed for 3,393 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns, including 1,653 yards and 24 scores this past fall.
Cooper Petagna, a national recruiting analyst for 247, had this to say about James’ game:
“Inside runner that displays a very good feel and instincts between the tackles. Plays with patience, demonstrating good vision when setting up runs and cutback lanes. Appears to have above average short area burst and separation quickness, showing the ability to separate from defenders at the second level. Possesses above average play speed and long speed to outrun defenders in the open field. Displays good make you miss ability between the tackles, showing the ability to run through you or around you. Plays with an excellent center of gravity, excelling after contact. Flashes some pass catching ability out of the backfield, but is difficult to evaluate off the sample size.
“Physical inside runner that could potentially develop into a three-down back at the next level but more suited in a change of pace type role. Has a good knack for picking up hidden yardage and adds value with consistent production. Projects as a multi-year contributor at a Power Five program at the next level.”
He’ll give the new Oregon coaching staff one more option to work with as the offense looks to replace both Travis Dye (transfer) and CJ Verdell (NFL Draft) this offseason. Those two alone rang up over 6,000 yards rushing over the last four seasons in a Ducks uniform, so it’ll be something of a changing of the guard at tailback. But Oregon has young talent in the backfield, even more so now with the addition of James.
Including transfers, head coach Dan Lanning’s first class now stands at 18 known commits.