Jordan James Previews Oregon State Matchup, Areas for Improvement
Oregon junior running back Jordan James met with reporters following Tuesday’s practice in Eugene to preview this week’s rivalry game against the Oregon State Beavers. James rushed for 102 yards on 17 carries in a win over the Boise State Broncos.
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Below you’ll find some of his key quotes and some analysis.
On what he remembers from Oregon State loss two years ago
James: “It wasn’t a good feeling. Especially to the team you share a state with, so I don’t plan on feeling that any time soon.”
On goal line stand on his run vs. Oregon State in ’22
James: “Honestly I took that kind of hard, especially being a freshman in that situation. But, my coaches trusted me to get that job done and I didn’t so I plan to get it done this year.”
On how he’d assess his play through two weeks
James: “I’ve been alright. We can improve as a whole unit—a whole offensive unit.”
On areas he’d like to see improvement
James: “Just everywhere. Running backs have things they can work on, O-line, everyone. We all have room for improvement.”
On being one broken tackle away from some big runs
James: “I’ve had a few of those. I gotta start breaking those tackles. I gotta get out of that last tackle. I’m usually one away.”
On Oregon State defense
James: “They’re a good defense. They’re physical, they know what they’re doing. They know the scheme. They’re gonna be a good team to play.”
On preparing for a rivalry game early in the year vs. late in the year
James: “It’s different. ‘Cause we usually play them last game of the season if I’m not mistaken. It’s the same mindset, going into it the same, just ready to go, ready to get to work.”
On being familiar with the rivalry, knowing what it means
James: “They don’t like us we don’t like them. It’s as simple as that.”
On how/if shifting interior O-line impacts him
James: “The coaches do a good job of rotating in practice, so I get reps with the guys that’ll be playing in practice too. So it’s not like it’s my first time ever being on the field with them. I know their tendencies.”
Torres’ Take
James has been a bright spot early on this season despite struggles from the Oregon offensive line. He hasn’t had much of an impact in the passing game, but he’s moved the sticks and is averaging an impressive 6.2 yards per carry through two games.
I was glad he was asked about breaking tackles because he has been having a harder time staying up than I think we saw last year. The run game definitely improved during the second half of last week’s game against Boise State, but I wonder how a rotating offensive line could make it difficult to get him in a consistent groove moving forward while the Ducks await the return of Matthew Bedford.
