Monday Man of the Hour – Senior Canes RB Mike James, Gritty and Determined

Introducing this week's Man of the Hour...

The Monday Man of the Hour article is supposed to highlight one person who excelled during the week. So I hope you can see understand my struggle to choose a focus for this week. Was it Anthony Chickillo for finally showing up and playing the way we saw him play last season? Should it be Stephen Morris for his breakout performance of 426 yards passing? Really the entire team played great at certain times throughout the game, but I think the obvious Man of the Hour has to go to senior running back Mike James.

In a game where emotions seemed to escalate after freshman wide out Malcolm Lewis was taken off the field in a gurney, Mike James stepped up in crunch time and delivered the final two touchdowns that were needed to complete one of the greatest comebacks in Miami Hurricanes history. But Mike James story begins way back in 2009 in what I am referring to hence forth as “The Pre-Golden Age” of Hurricane football.

Working and Learning

Until 2012, Mike James had always been the quintessential understudy. In 2009 he was a freshman who received little playing time while being groomed to take over “someday.” At that time it was Miami hopeful Javarris James (no relation) that was the old dog who had done his time and was finally entering the spotlight. Mike patiently waited his turn. Learning and working.

Steadfast and Patient

In 2010, the Hurricanes offense was in shambles. Second year offensive coordinator Mark Whipple had James playing everything from fullback to receiver, but this was the first year he received significant carries at running back. Still, he was never higher than third on the depth chart behind Graig Cooper, Damian Berry, and his future roommate Lamar Miller; but Mike James remained steadfast and patient and continued to do whatever was asked of him.

A Door Opens for James

The 2011 season broke many players. Al Golden’s demanding off-season workouts and complete overhaul of the offensive and defensive schemes was too much for many Randy Shannon recruits to handle. But the tough mentality that Golden brought with him appealed to Mike James, and while he would once again see sporadic playing time due to the emergence of Lamar Miller, he would use this opportunity to establish himself as a leader and mentor.

Miller rode his stellar 2011 campaign straight to the NFL and was selected in the 3rd round by the Miami Dolphins. His departure seemed to open the door for Mike James to finally become the featured back at Miami. But this is The U and there is never a lack of talent. Especially at the running back position, where incoming freshman phenom Randy “Duke” Johnson came to Miami ready to make an impact immediately. So the 2012 off-season would once again be a proving ground for Mike James.

This seems like a good time to promote an amazing series of short films by South Florida production company 3 Penny Films called Raising Canes. If you haven’t seen these documentary films on YouTube then you are missing out on a view inside the Hurricanes program that has never been seen before. For this article it is especially impactful as they give a real sense of the emotion and effort these players exert through the off-season before a game is ever played.

U on his helmet. Commited to the team.

Mike James was named the first team running back during fall training camp. A reward every player on this Hurricanes team will tell you was as much earned on the practice field as it was deserved for sheer devotion to the team. He has had a long career at The U, where he has persevered through coaching changes and position shuffling. On Saturday against Georgia Tech we all saw what Mike James patient, consistent style has to offer; whether the Hurricanes needed him to be a receiver, running back or blocker, he was there. U on his helmet. Commited to the team.