Mike James Is Running, Cutting, Ready
April 15th, 2014
Talented second-year running back Mike James stood before media today at One Buc Palace and was all smiles. His broken — and repaired — ankle is feeling great.
Looking rocked up and chiseled — James said he’s 232 pounds — he talked about his future and the loss of the offensive line behind which he was so successful last season.
James wouldn’t commit to when he’ll be cleared to practice. But he said it’s possible he’ll be on the field for the Bucs’ first minicamp next Tuesday.
Right now, he said he’s wearing “just a compression wrap” on the ankle. “Standard protocol.” James said he’s been running on the ankle “and everything that’s football related” for so long that he doesn’t even remember when he started that.
James did not reveal much about the mysterious Bucs offense and he does have a soft spot for the departed O-linemen.
“I definitely miss those guys but I love the new guys. It’s a bittersweet thing in this business,” James said.
As for his play in 2013, James said a look back at his film revealed he was an asset.
“The ability to keep the chains moving. No negative plays. I mean that’s something I pride myself on,” James said. “I want to always put the offense in a situation to score and win. Personal stats are personal stats, but you know they’re nothing if you’re not winning. So that’s what I’m always trying to do, put the offense in a positive mindset, a positive gain.”
April 15th, 2014 at 1:36 pm
Love this kid!
April 15th, 2014 at 1:39 pm
he will shine with real coaching this year. excited to see what James can do.
April 15th, 2014 at 1:39 pm
Another great talent here in Tampa GO BUCS!!!
April 15th, 2014 at 1:47 pm
When i read the headline, I thought Mike ( house-party ) williams brother had struck again!
April 15th, 2014 at 1:54 pm
You are on a roll, dude!
April 15th, 2014 at 1:56 pm
Yes we’re deep in the run game, just need that one piece at O line to add to the magic…then WR, then watch that run game open the pass game.
April 15th, 2014 at 2:45 pm
232 lbs. Wow!! Gonna get a lot of carries this year.
April 15th, 2014 at 2:49 pm
Ernest:
He’s only about five pounds heavier than his playing weight last season. He could easily lose that in one training camp practice. 🙂
April 15th, 2014 at 3:33 pm
Nothing like a powerful run game! I have screamed donald for the draft, but one of these power house tackles would be a great add!
April 15th, 2014 at 3:51 pm
“he talked about his future and the loss of the offensive line behind which he was so successful last season”
So 60 carries for 295 yards is what qualifies as a successful season nowadays?
April 15th, 2014 at 4:37 pm
He said “successful last season”, not ‘a successful season’, meaning he had success in the small amount he played. I would think if we average 5 yards per carry that would make our offense very successful. I hope we can put together an o-line that can adequately block for him.
April 15th, 2014 at 5:53 pm
60 carries for 295 yrds is roughly 4.9 a carry it’s quality not quantity of carries which u canvases success off of especially with so many teams leading with an stable of backs to carry the load
April 15th, 2014 at 5:57 pm
He had one “successful” game.
April 15th, 2014 at 7:13 pm
Way to go Mike,make us pride.
April 16th, 2014 at 10:07 am
Mike James looked good last year in his ability. I don’t know if Martin has fully recovered from his injury. Both are good RB’s, some suggest one may be traded. The Bucs need them both. Trade Rainey, though he may have less trade value.
April 16th, 2014 at 1:18 pm
Hope James comes back 100%. He could be a powerhouse.