Richie James
Richie James has seemingly been the underdog his whole life.
After a stellar high school career at Riverview High in Sarasota, Florida, James was ranked by 247sports.com as the 123rd best athlete in the 2014 recruiting class. James was lightly recruited, garnishing only three offers before committing to Georgia Southern. After coach Jeff Monken left Georgia Southern for Army, James decomitted and landed in Murfreesboro.
Still, James was overlooked.
After receiving a redshirt as a true freshman, James opened the 2015 season behind Ed Batties and Christian Collis on the Blue Raider depth chart.
With each slight, the chip on James’ shoulder grew and grew. After a strong showing from the slot in his first game against Jackson State, James built on that with an even stronger showing against Alabama. James would not be denied his rightful spot as Brent Stockstill’s go-to target as he exploded for 141 yards and a touchdown on 12 receptions against Illinois in his fourth collegiate game.
After that, James never looked back. By mid-season, James had established himself as arguably the best freshman receiver in the country. In just a little more than two seasons, he broke every receiving record to be had at Middle Tennessee.
Still, James was overlooked.
NFL scouts considered him too small for the NFL. One scouting report criticized James as possessing below-average strength, lacking polish on his route-running and, inexplicably, his inability to catch passes thrown outside his frame.
James missed his name being called at the 2018 NFL Draft 239 times. Having been projected as high as a fifth-round pick, James fell to the seventh round to the 49ers with the 240th pick in the draft.
The chip on James’ shoulder should be as big as ever as he continues his playing career, and he should utilize it the same way he always has. There is no reason to think he won’t factor into the 49ers offense as a rookie, though. One look at the 49ers receiving depth chart reveals one of the weakest corps in the NFL.
But it isn’t only respect for himself James is looking for, but respect for the school that got him this far.
“MTSU demands respect, and we’re going to demand it,” James said, speaking for other former Blue Raiders in the NFL. “We’re going to go get it.”
Placekicker Canon Rooker
Other Blue Raiders Get Their Chance
James was the only Blue Raider drafted in 2018, but others will get their NFL shot.
Cornerback Charvarius Ward was projected as a possible seventh-round pick selection prior to the draft, however his chance came after the draft ended. The Dallas Cowboys signed Ward to an undrafted free agent contract.
Cornerback Mike Minter held down the other side of the field for the Blue Raiders. While he wasn’t signed, he was invited to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ minicamp.
Shane Tucker is in the same boat as Minter. He’ll need to impress at the Buffalo Bills’ many camp if he hopes to sign a contract.
Kicker Canon Rooker, much like James, broke multiple school records at his position. He inked a post-draft deal with the New York Jets.
