Indiana Running Back Sampson James Goes Back into the Transfer Portal

Image: Amanda Pavelka

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

Former four-star running back and Avon High School product Sampson James has entered the transfer portal and will be leaving Indiana University. James was originally committed to Ohio State University before flipping and staying at home to play for Indiana University. James came to Bloomington with much fanfare but he was stuck behind Stevie Scott for much of his freshman season. He eventually made a pair of starts when Scott was injured and he ran for 275 yards on 81 carries. His best game was in the Old Oaken Bucket with 118 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown to help IU win at Ross-Ade Stadium in 2019.

Sampson James saw his progression go backwards during the 2020 season as he dealt with a personal crisis that forced him to take time away from the program and he entered the transfer portal only to be coaxed back to Bloomington. He was only to play in six games and had just 32 carries for 96 yards. Stevie Scott moved on after the season and Deland McCullough was brought in to replace the departed Mike Hart as running backs coach. With a new position coach, all bets were off heading into spring camp. Sampson James was limited in camp due to a lingering injury and then the Hoosiers were able to land a major transfer in USC’s Stephen Carr. The former Trojan came in with some experience working with McCullough and his addition bolstered the running back room. After one week of fall camp, no one outside of the team knows how the depth chart looks but one can surmise that Sampson James did not like how things were shaking out. It’s reasonable to think he is behind Stephen Carr and the returning Tim Baldwin. IU also brings back the explosive David Ellis along with a few walk-ons the staff has spoken highly of. With less than a month to go, Sampson James has opted to move on and will be looking for a place besides Bloomington to get his football career on track.

The Hoosiers still have plenty of talent at the position with true freshmen Trent Howland and David Holloman joining the veterans. In addition, highly-touted running back Gi’Bran Payne will be coming in for the 2022 season. The Hoosiers will continue fall camp without James and begin the 2021 season on September 4 at Iowa.