Javarris James avoids contact

CORAL GABLES — Javarris James is still elusive.

Just ask the media who tried to talk to the tailback after Friday's University of Miami Pro Day. None of them caught up to him to do an interview. One reporter did say hello to James long after the event was over, but that was it.

James, an Immokalee High School graduate, was one of 12 former Hurricanes who took part in the Pro Day. The others were offensive tackle Jason Fox; linebacker Darryl Sharpton; tight ends Jimmy Graham, Dedrick Epps and Tervaris Johnson; defensive linemen Eric Moncur and Joe Joseph; offensive lineman A.J. Trump; and defensive backs Sam Shields, Chavez Grant and Randy Phillips.

James' elusiveness likely was due in part to expectations of being asked about one thing: his health. Injuries limited him to 21 games and eight starts over the past two seasons.

James had neck, ankle and hamstring issues.

While UM strength and conditioning coach Andreu Swasey pointed out that they weren't knee injuries, NFL scouts will still be leery going into the NFL Draft.

"You can't make the club from the tub," said Gil Brandt, the former longtime general manager of the Dallas Cowboys who works as an analyst for NFL.com.

"I would imagine it's hard to play hurt all the time, and seldom do people who are hurt become healthy in the NFL. It's also a tough year to be coming out as a running back."

James recorded times of 4.55 and 4.56 seconds in the 40-yard dash, which were slightly higher than the 4.53 he ran at the NFL Combine.
James has been praised as a leader, pass blocker and receiver. He ran for 150 yards in the 21-20 win over Oklahoma last season.
He has shown great moments when he's on the field.

"Injuries are part of the deal," Swasey said. "But he's strong and never has missed a summer workout or any other workouts. He's served his role when he's in there."



(news-press.com)