Robert James

Bio

Nicknamed "The Beast" by teammates for his reckless abandon on the football field, James finally got an opportunity to start as a senior and did not disappoint. He helped the team improve from being ranked 51st in the nation in total defense (327.85 ypg) in 2006 to 30th nationally in 2007 (345.15). He led the team in tackles with a career-high 106 during his final campaign, earning All-American and All-Pac 10 Conference recognition.

The Sun Devils' Most Valuable Defensive Player (2007) played at nearby Maryvale High School before arriving on ASU's campus. He lettered four times in football and twice in track, earning second-team All-City honors as a defensive back and first-team accolades at running back. He was also an All-City honoree in track as a sophomore.

James served as team captain for his football and track teams in each of his last two seasons. He collected 102 tackles as a junior and tallied 1,300 rushing yards with 16 touchdowns and 54 tackles during his senior year.

James enrolled at Arizona State in 2003, playing on the scout team as a safety. The 209-pounder shifted to strong-side outside linebacker in 2005, appearing in 10 games behind Dale Robinson. He spent most of the year with the special teams, posting six tackles (95 solos) with a 7-yard sack.

As a sophomore, James shifted to weak-side linebacker, starting six of the 11 games he played in. He posted 36 tackles (17 solos) with a sack and five stops for losses. He also had one interception and five pass deflections. He played as a reserve in the team's first eight games of 2006, but missed the final five contests due to a concussion. He managed to deliver 26 tackles (18 solos) with a sack and 4.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage before being sidelined.

In 2007, James was nearly unstoppable. He led the Sun Devils with 106 tackles (62 solos), getting to the quarterback 2.5 times with 9.5 stops for losses and a pair of pressures. He caused a fumble, broke up three passes and intercepted four others.

Started 19 of 42 games during his career at Arizona State, recording 174 tackles (102 solos) with 5.5 sacks for minus-55 yards, 9.5 stops for losses of 38 yards and a pair of quarterback pressures...Caused two fumbles, deflected eight passes and gained 21 yards on five interception returns (4.2 avg).

Attended Maryvale (Glendale, Az.) High School, lettering four times in football and twice in track, earning second-team All-City honors as a defensive back and first-team accolades at running back...Was also an All-City honoree in track as a sophomore...Served as team captain for his football and track teams in each of his last two seasons...Collected 102 tackles as a junior and tallied 1,300 rushing yards with 16 touchdowns and 54 tackles during his senior year.