LaMichael James is one of the smaller running backs available in the 2012 NFL Draft, which might impact how high he goes because of questions about his durability, as well as his ability to handle the more complex offenses of the NFL. James is one of the most impressive players overall. Chris Polk was also considered the better overall product coming in, but he's struggled to match up to standards.
James measures out at 5'8" and 194 pounds, which makes him definitely one of the smaller running backs overall. His arm length is more compact at 30 1/4", but might be ideal for carrying the football. James has 9" hands, which could make it easier for carrying the football. Polk seems better in terms of physical size, with a height of 5'11" and 215 pounds, while also managing a longer 31 1/2" inch and bigger hands at 9 3'4".
(via JMPasq)
(via JMPasq)
However, in terms of physical challenges, LaMichael was far superior. James had a 4.45 second 40 yard dash (beating out Polk's 4.57 seconds), put up 15 reps in the bench press, managed a 35 inch vertical jump (beating Polk's 31.5 inches), while also putting up a 123 inch broad jump (beating out Polk's 111 inches), a 6.88 second three cone drill (besting Polk's 7.13 seconds) as well as a 4.12 second 20 yard shuttle (again ahead of Polk's 4.21 seconds).
A few Northwest wide receivers also were in action. Wide receiver Jermaine Kearse put up a 4.58 second 40 yard dash, managed a 34 inch vertical jump, the 119 inch broad jump, as well as a 7.03 second cone drill, a 4.12 second 20 yard shuttle--nothing too flashy. Tight end David Paulson had a decent performance in the 60 yard shuttle, managing 11.9 seconds, but also managed a 4.93 second 40 yard dash, 21 reps on the bench press, plus a 32 inch vertical jump, 110 inches on the broad jump, and 7.18 seconds on the three cone drill, plus 4.4 seconds on the 20 yard shuttle. Wide receiver James Rodgers didn't impress at all.
To discuss James, Paulson and Oregon football, check out Addicted to Quack. To talk about Polk, Kearse and Washington football, check out UW Dawg Pound. To talk about the status of all these players in the 2012 NFL Draft, go to Mocking the Draft. To discuss the NFL Combine in general, check out our dedicated storystreams at SB Nation and SBN Seattle.