DHS’ James still studying offers
Published 9:13 pm Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Saturday’s Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic in Mobile put the finishing touches on DaMarcus James’ high school career.
“It went great,” James said of his experiences in Mobile during the week leading up to the game. “I had a lot of fun getting to know all the guys. It’s different with it being an all-star game. It was very intense. All the guys got really into the game.”
The standout running back tallied 6,946 rushing yards during his four seasons with Demopolis in a career that also included Class 5A Back of the Year honors in 2009, a first team all-state nod and Super Six Class 5A Most Valuable Player distinction after Demopolis’ championship win.
“I think I’ve accomplished a lot,” James said of his storied tenure at Demopolis High School. “I’ve enjoyed my years. I think I’ve played my best, but it’s up to (college recruiters) now.”
With his prep playing days behind him, James has now only to decide where he will continue his playing career.
James picked up an offer from Jacksonville State while he was in Mobile. That brings the list of offers to Troy, UAB, South Alabama, Jacksonville State, Georgia State and Washington State.
During the season, James offered a verbal commitment to Washington State due in large part to the presence of former Demopolis High School defensive coordinator Rudy Griffin.
Since James offered that commitment, Griffin has moved on to a job at Idaho State.
With James’ options once again wide open, the seven weeks until National Signing Day should be very busy as he decides his future.
“I’m not even sure yet,” he said when asked which school seems to offer him the best opportunity at this time.
James has now to assess the circumstances surrounding each offering program and use his allotted campus visits.
As full as his plate is in that regard, James is proud of the fact that he does not have to scramble to get himself academically eligible. He has passed all parts of the graduation exam and his ACT score far exceeds the NCAA standard set forth for eligibility.
“By me getting all of that out of the way, I feel more relaxed about the situation,” James said. “All I’ve got to do is sit back and pick what school I want to go to.”