Remember Mike James?

Remember Mike James? - Shandel Richardson, Sun-Sentinel

Mike James seems almost like a forgotten man these days.

Remember him? The running back fans praised so much last year during spring workouts. A move to the less glamorous position of fullback took some of the spotlight off him. Now, the message-board discussions are about Damien Berry and Lamar Miller.

But guess what?

James is back at tailback and should be once again on your mind. While Berry is the favorite, expect James right there in the mix when the competition for the starting job heats up.

“It’s wonderful (being back),” James said. “I love it. I’m glad I’m back. I get to run the ball more.”

James, who switched from No. 22 to No. 5, moved to fullback when Pat Hill suffered a season-ending ankle injury early last season. James said he learned a lot during the move, such as blocking and route-running.

“When they did that it was just one of those things where they needed me somewhere,” James said. “I just got in there and did what I had to do.”

What James lacks in experience is made up for with work ethic. We’ve heard of his practice habits, but what about on his days off? He joins A.J. Highsmith and Lamar Miller at Greentree Practice Fields, so they can simulate an entire practice.

Just the three of them.

They run sprints, execute passing drills, hit the dummy sleds.

Everything.

“Basically, we just go through all of it,” James said.

That alone should make him a key figure in the running backs competition.

A few thoughts:

–Running back Storm Johnson said he was timed at 4.38 in the 40-yard dash. According to UM, Tommy Streeter now runs a 4.4. That says something about Johnson’s combination of size and speed.

–Coach Randy Shannon said there was a noticeable decline in running production last year when Hill was injured. Hill is 100 percent, and should bolster the running game.

–Tight ends coach Joe Pannunzio said the biggest difference in senior Richard Gordon is maturity. Gordon now takes notes during team meetings. It’s a sign he’s realizing this is his last opportunity to make an impact.