James requested to be released prior to be being waived by the 49ers.
Former Oregon running back LaMichael James has signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins today, a year after being waived by the San Francisco 49ers. Last year, James signed with the Dolphins’ practice squad, but had since made it to their active roster as of Nov. 10, 2014.
The Texarkana, Texas product re-signed with Miami hoping to see a significant increase in snaps next season behind running back Lamar Miller.
The Liberty-Eylau High School star and Doak Walker Award winner will most likely compete for playing time as a receiving back alongside Damien Williams.
We have signed RB LaMichael James. #StrongerTogetherpic.twitter.com/QYNhf22asX
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) March 20, 2015
James was drafted by the 49ers in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. After nearly three seasons in San Francisco, James rushed for 184 yards on 41 carries and caught five passes for 45 yards. The small but speedy back saw time as a receiving back and punt returner, but did not see any significant time behind starting running back Frank Gore.
“I’d be lying to you if I said it’s not frustrating. I want to be out there, but I understand we have a lot of running backs and it’s difficult to get on the field,” James told The Oregonian.
2012 TOPPS MAGIC # 153 LAMICHAEL JAMES ROOKIE , SAN FRANCISCO 49ers . http://t.co/ImVQSB2SIIpic.twitter.com/UuFSHMs1aE — newly listed product (@newlylistedp) March 15, 2015
Oregon’s prolific running back left Eugene for the NFL with a year of college eligibility remaining. He became the Ducks’ first two-time consensus All-American and ranked first in school history with 5,082 career rushing yards. In 2011, his final year at Oregon, James led the nation in rushing yards per game (150.42), and ranked second nationally in total rushing yards (1805) and all-purpose yards per game (181.30).
Dolphins announced they have signed former 49ers RB LaMichael James to a one-year contract. — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 20, 2015
James will most likely fit in as a flex back behind Miller and has an opportunity to become an integral part of an uptempo Miami offense. The 5’9″, 195 lb running back achieved unprecedented success as a small but speedy back in Chip Kelly‘s high octane Oregon offense.
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Jordan is a lifelong Duck fan currently living in San Diego. Jordan graduated from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, after serving a prestigious fellowship with the Washington State House of Representatives. Upon graduation, he worked as an English language teaching assistant for the Spanish Ministry of Education’s Ambassadorial Program in Monforte de Lemos, Spain. Jordan has worked as a journalist, writer, and editor in Oregon, Washington, Montana, and California, covering a wide range of topics, including sports, local politics, and crime. He is VERY excited to be writing about his beloved Oregon Ducks.