Demopolis High senior running back DaMarcus James has at the very least named a front-runner in the chase for his services, offering a verbal commitment to Washington State University.

The connection to the Pac-10 program initially came over the summer when former DHS defensive coordinator Rudy Griffin accepted a graduate assistant position at the Pullman, Wash. school.

“Coach Griffin getting hired out there and then taking film out there,” Causey said, explaining how the WSU offer came about. “They see what we see, a really good football player that will make some plays for them. I know they are getting a high quality person and a high quality player out of the deal.”

James earned Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 5A Back of the Year honors last season, rushing for more than 2,500 yards while leading the Tigers to the state championship. His remarkable campaign, which included a five-game playoff run that saw him amass over 1,250 yards, also landed him as the runner-up for the coveted Mr. Football award. A starter since his freshman season, James’ notoriety hit an all-time high in the state title game when he rushed for 296 yards on 42 carries, setting a Super 6 record for rushing attempts in a contest.

James also holds offers from Troy, UAB, Georgia State and South Alabama among others. He has garnered varying levels of interest from other programs including BYU, Oregon and a handful of Southeastern Conference schools.

“They are a high level school,” James said of Washington State. “It is a Division I school and they get a little TV time. And I know Coach Griffin.”

Per NCAA regulations high school seniors are not allowed to sign letters of intent until National Signing Day on Feb. 2, 2011.