2018 Early Signing Period Signee Profile: RB Sampson James

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Sampson James, 6’1”, 211 pounds, Avon, IN (Avon), RB, 247Sports Composite Ranking: 4-star (92.68) 

James is the crown jewel of Tom Allen’s second full recruiting class. A four-star recruit, James was flipped from Ohio State in October and proves that Tom Allen and his staff can recruit some of the top players in the state.

James can have an instant impact on the field in 2019 as he has top end speed and no wasted movements. In his senior season at Avon James rushed for 1,043 yards and 11 touchdowns.

247 Sports gave the following evaluation of Sampson James:

“Hard-nosed back who runs north-south with great effectiveness. Hits holes with very little hesitation and has the burst to get to top speed quickly. There is not a lot of wasted movement with him, he is not a dancer, and runs through a lot of tackles. Shows some elusiveness when needed, but that does not appear to be his preferred way of hitting paydirt. Very effective as a pass blocker. Shows good awareness in picking up blitzes and is willing to be physical. Used more as a short area receiver in high school, so that may be a part of his game he has to continue to develop as a senior and in college.”

James is one of two running backs the Hoosiers signed on Wednesday, along with Ivory Winters, and he joins a running backs room that feature Stevie Scott, Ronnie Walker and Cole Gest. James will enroll early and be with the Hoosiers for spring practice.

WATCH: Sampson James Highlights