Oregon running back Kenjon Barner had a historic game on Saturday against USC and should now be in the Heisman Trophy race as a result. Just in case you don’t think he should be in the Heisman conversation, former Oregon running back and current 49ers back LaMichael James tweeted to remind you:
Would you please give @kbdeuce4 the heisman already? If he don’t win it was staged he’s the best player in the country right now!
— LaMichael James (@LaMichaelJames) November 4, 2012
Barner, a senior from Riverside, Calif., ran for a school-record 321 yards in front of many close friends and family at the Coliseum in Oregon’s 62-51 win over the Trojans. His 321-yard performance broke James’ record 288-yard game accomplished last year against Arizona.
“I’m happy that he broke that record,” James said after the game. “I think he’s the best player in the country. I think he deserves the Heisman. He should be right up there with everybody else.”
Even though James lost that record, he is still the school’s career leading rusher with 4,973 yards and 53 touchdowns. James was able to attend the game because his 49ers are on their bye week. He hung out at an alumni tailgate before the contest, and then watched the game from the sidelines where he witnessed the spectacular performance.
Barner entered the game ranked 13th in the country in rushing yards, and tied for 8th in touchdowns. He’ll probably be in the top five in both categories after the big game. With Oregon undefeated, Barner has a legitimate shot at winning the Heisman Trophy. He needs to be in the conversation.
