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Former Oregon star LaMichael James selected to 2023 College Football Hall of Fame Class

Jarrid Denneyby:Jarrid Denney•01/09/23•

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(Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

One of the greatest running backs in Oregon history is headed for the College Football Hall of Fame.

On Monday, the National Football Foundation (NFF) announced its 2023 Hall of Fame Class. James was among the 22 members named.

He becomes the sixth Oregon football player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.

“Selection to the College Football Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor for LaMichael,” UO director of athletics Rob Mullens said. “He is a true Duck legend and one of the most electrifying players in the history of college football. The legacy LaMichael left in Eugene is everlasting and a significant reason for the continued success of our football program. He led our team to tremendous heights and produced so many memorable moments while being part of an offense that changed the game of college football. LaMichael’s performance and infectious personality connected him with Oregon fans and gave him a special place in their hearts, and we are extremely proud of him for his election to the Hall of Fame.”

James joins quarterback Norm Van Brocklin (Class of 1966), running back John Kitzmiller (1969), tackle John Beckett (1972), running back Mel Renfro (1986) and running back Ahmad Rashad (2007). Former Oregon coaches Len Casanova (1977) and Mike Bellotti (2014) are also Hall of Fame inductees.

A two-time consensus All-American, James helped Oregon reach three consecutive BCS bowl from 2009-2011 and led the Ducks to the 2011 BCS National Championship Game against Auburn.

He ranks second all-time at Oregon in career rushing yards (5,082), all-purpose yards (5,869), rushing touchdowns (53), 100-yard rushing games (26) and total points scored (348).

James holds the school record with seven career 200-yard rushing performances, including five of more than 225 yards.

The 2023 College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted during the 65th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 5, 2023, at the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

The 2023 College Football Hall of Fame Class is as follows.

College Football Hall of Fame inducts 18 players

  • Eric Berry – DB, Tennessee
  • Michael Bishop – QB, Kansas State
  • Reggie Bush – RB, Southern California
  • Dwight Freeney – DE, Syracuse
  • Robert Gallery – OT, Iowa
  • LaMichael James – RB, Oregon
  • Derrick Johnson – LB, Texas
  • Bill Kollar – DT, Montana State
  • Luke Kuechly – LB, Boston College
  • Jeremy Maclin – WR/KR, Missouri
  • Terance Mathis – WR, New Mexico
  • Bryant McKinnie – OT, Miami [FL]
  • Corey Moore – DL, Virginia Tech
  • Michael Stonebreaker – LB, Notre Dame
  • Tim Tebow – QB, Florida
  • Troy Vincent – DB, Wisconsin
  • Brian Westbrook – RB, Villanova
  • DeAngelo Williams – RB, Memphis

Four coaches inducted

  • Monte Cater – Lakeland [WI] (1981-86), Shepherd [WV] (1987-2017)
  • Paul Johnson – Georgia Southern (1997-2001), Navy (2002-07), Georgia Tech (2008-18)
  • Roy Kramer – Central Michigan (1967-77)
  • Mark Richt – Georgia (2001-15), Miami [FL] (2016-18)

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