LaMichael James was a Niner (CUT!)

How come a tiny guy like LaMichael can add 10 lbs. of muscle and AJ Jenkins can only add 4?....

Originally posted by SanDiego49er:
How come a tiny guy like LaMichael can add 10 lbs. of muscle and AJ Jenkins can only add 4?....

work ethic. I am sure that is a depressing answer as we are talking about a first round draft choice but that is the best I got

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by fister30:
I completely disagree with this. I would argue LMJ will have a better career as a RB than Hunter.

I know the 49ers are trying to use him as a sproles type of role but somebody will get some carries besides Frank this year.

If I had to choose between Hunter and LMJ, I'm choosing LMJ. I've seen enough to be hopeful that LMJ can be a very productive featured back.

I just love the fact that people on here are arguing over who's the better back because when its all said and done we got both! Both will contribute, Frank will be Frank, and we got Lat developing for when he can't be! Our RB stable is just ridiculous, with potential to be the best group ever

foreal, our group reminds me of miami when they had gore, portis and mcgahee at the same time. i do think if james gets a shot at some caries he will make an impact and never look back. hunter is a solid all around back but theres no way they can let a player as explosive as james just sit on the bench.

I think Harbaugh has huge things in store for LaMichael. Even more so now that Crabtree is out, he will be utilized as a major weapon in many different ways. Gore is gonna be the number one, but the rest is up in the air. Hunter coming off a torn achillies, Harbaugh will play the guy who is just having the better camp. Its just the way he is. Its all about competition and I wouldnt be suprised to see Hunter getting less carries because of him coming off a pretty significant injury.

Not just for LMJ but for:

A.J
Kendall Hunter
Ahmad Brooks

Hunter seems a more traditional pass catching, all around back; whereas James is a ball of fire waiting to explode--really capable of being an impact player. I love both guys and see them in very different roles. Add Lattimore and this team is really stocked going forward. As Gore winds down there shouldn't be a fall off. When I think of what Baalke has done with this position...wow! Is there another team in the NFL with a group near this one in talent?

maaan shout outs to la michael my boy from oregon yo x)- yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

know what would be cool ? to see LMJ as a slot receiver in a 3 wideout set , with Gore and Hunter in the backfield

Harbs and Roman are known for throwing some exotic formations on the field , maybe we will see something with our top 3 backs on the field together

Originally posted by cciowa:

Originally posted by SanDiego49er:
How come a tiny guy like LaMichael can add 10 lbs. of muscle and AJ Jenkins can only add 4?....

work ethic. I am sure that is a depressing answer as we are talking about a first round draft choice but that is the best I got

I think the biggest reason could be genetics. Jenkins body type would appear to be an Ectomorph while James' is either a Mesomorph or an Endomorph. Mesomorph and Endomorphs have an easier time packing on muscle muscle mass.

Also, I haven't read anything about James adding 10lbs of muscle. It only says that his weight is up 10lbs. That is more than likely a mix of muscle and fat. My guess is that by the end of training camp he will have shed the fat that comes a long with muscle gain, and is weight will have come down 3 or 4 pounds.

Hunter has been really good. Unless Gore (or Hunter) get injured I don't see James getting a ton of touches. I do think he'll be the primary return guy though.

i can see Harbs and co splitting the carries pretty evenly with a slight edge to Gore. It would keep all 3 fresh the entire season.

Originally posted by nickbradley:
Hate to burst your bubble, but nobody has returned to 100% after an Achilles rupture.

Demaryius Thomas of Denver says hello.......

Season	Team			Receiving					Rushing					Fumbles
		G	GS	Rec	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Att	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	FUM	Lost
2012	Denver Broncos	16	16	94	1,434	15.3	71T	10	--	--	--	--	--	3	3

In 2012, James was held back by his school's late graduation and the steep learning curve going from Oregon's playbook to the complexities of the NFL. While he did well enough late in the season, we didn't see much of the explosiveness and jaw dropping elusiveness that he demonstrated in college. This could be because he was still thinking too much and not able to let his natural athletic ability take over. If that was the case, we should see the difference this year.

One of the most interesting battles in training camp will be for the #2 running back position. If James beats out Hunter to become the #2, then he'll get the playing time and the opportunities that could translate into a breakout season. If Hunter holds him off, he'll be relegated to special teams duties and change-of-pace opportunities on offense... an area where he can shine, no doubt, but it's harder to call it a breakout season when the player's a specialist. Hunter's a pretty solid back, when healthy, and he does all the little things that get you on the field. And, oh yeah, Jewell Hampton... gonna be interesting.

Originally posted by RishikeshA:
I watched Oregon games and LMJ can run inside and get the tough yards. This year I'm sure he'll break some long runs frm scrimmage and special teams. Hunter should be the feature back at some point. Lattimore could be the best of all if he overcomes his injuries. Jewel Hampton has ability and could surprise. Looks like the 49ers are set at running back.

Good post and i concur. You saw it in the Green Bay playoff game. There was play where he took a handoff up the middle and gained 5 plus yards after contact. It took multiple defenders to bring him down! He plays bigger than he is and thats very impressive for a small back. Now that he's added another 10 lbs he will only be more explosive and powerful.


As an Iowa fan I can say Hampton has a ton of ability. Whether or not he can stay healthy and actually get on the field is another story all together. The guy just can't stay healthy and it isn't going to help his cause considering how loaded this team is at running back.

can you spell LeMichael James ?