Mike James Can Catch The Ball
April 27th, 2013
One knock, which Joe is convinced was overblown, on now former Bucs running back LeGarrette Blount, was that he couldn’t catch a pass out of the backfield.
That won’t be the case with new Bucs running back Mike James from Miami. One of James’ biggest skills was catching the ball, and he was not bashful about talking about this trait with the Bucs pen and mic club this afternoon when asked what his greatest virtue is.
“I am an excellent ball-catcher out of the backfield,” James said. “I am a one-and-cut-and-go player. I can line up anywhere and be a mismatch.”
James, the Bucs’ sixth-round pick, shared carries at “The U,” so he has no illusions of taking Doug Martin’s spot in the starting lineup. Rather, he hopes to make plays whenever Martin needs a break.
“I just want to be as valuable as an asset as I can be to help the team win more,” James said.
James seemed almost speechless being one step away from reaching virtually every young player’s dream: to make the NFL.
“I can’t explain, this is one of the best days of my life,” said the Polk County native, who grew up going to Bucs home games. “I’m happy to be a Buc, man. It’s a blessing.”
April 27th, 2013 at 5:30 pm
Sounds like an upgrade from Blount. Sign me up.
April 27th, 2013 at 5:31 pm
Can’t wait to see what Ernest Byner can do with him…..
Joe , you alright bro ? It’s okay. It’s like breaking up with a girlfriend.Blount will be okay and time heals all wounds ….besides the new one might be better . 🙂
April 27th, 2013 at 5:38 pm
They got a good 3rd down back at least.
April 27th, 2013 at 5:40 pm
Someone who can cover for Martin without having to change the system.. Just like Glennon can cover for Freeman.. I think the bucs got better in this draft.. good quality depth added..
April 27th, 2013 at 5:40 pm
@Joe,
I don’t think the issue is Blount CATCHING out of the backfield….
…i think his bigger issue is BLOCKING on passing plays.
April 27th, 2013 at 5:41 pm
Where does Michael Smith fit into the Bucs’s plans? Not at all?
April 27th, 2013 at 5:59 pm
Think @ Celly nailed it
April 27th, 2013 at 6:15 pm
Blount blocked (and caught the ball) just fine at Oregon.
Remember, Kelly was a pass happy coach at Oregon, so Blount did a lot of blocking there.
April 27th, 2013 at 6:19 pm
How exactly is he an upgrade from a proven player?
April 27th, 2013 at 6:26 pm
“Happy to be a Buc”….I believe him. I’m sure James will be a “Bucaneer Man”….unlike Blount. I wish Blount well but it is obvious Schiano, Byner and probably Sullivan didn’t like Blount…and didn’t play him.
Before we go too deep into analyzing our new draft picks….how about an update on Smith, Goode & Tandy????????????????????????????????????????????????????
April 27th, 2013 at 7:05 pm
Apparently even though he blocked “just fine” at Oregon. The fact that he sucked at blocking in the NFL, may have prompted this trade. Ideally you don’t want to have to fundamentally change your offensive game plan when you bring in your #2RB. Good riddance
April 27th, 2013 at 7:11 pm
“How exactly is he an upgrade from a proven player?”
Upgrade? He’s a role player. Blount is useless as a role player because he doesn’t block or catch or play special teams. Mike James can do all three well. No sense keeping Blount (a talented runner) on the roster when Martin eats up most of the carries anyway.
April 27th, 2013 at 7:24 pm
Just watched the video on James….he absolutely can catch the ball and always falls forward…seems to have a nose for the endzone & first down marker…..I like the pick….a hometown boy who “likes being a Buc”…
April 27th, 2013 at 7:47 pm
I would like to see the Bucs bring in some local talent that didn’t get drafted like FL OT X. Dixon, FSU FB L. Pryor and hopefully can get Ark G Alvin Bailey and Howard LB keith Pough come in as FA.
April 28th, 2013 at 8:41 am
good special teamer, he’s pretty good at what he does, but this guy will never be a star
April 28th, 2013 at 12:24 pm
Mike James is a great kid and a very hard worker. No drama, high character, loves the game. He will be a fan favorite, even though he is not flashy. Runs tough. Extremely reliable and the unquestioned leader on a team pulverized by off-field distractions. Here is a highlight video from his days at The U:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7FDZmGvXzQ