The Unmovable Force
” I started playing center in Juco. That would make it seven years to date. I never thought I’d be good at playing center until I played it. I liked how I was the general of the Offensive Line and could call the shots. It’s a lot of pressure playing center but pressure creates diamonds and I am a diamond in the rough” -James
An outstanding offensive line anchors every great football team, and the heart of that foundation is always the center. The unsung hero of this story is CJ James, a dominant, violent, relentless force in the trenches, who has declared for the 2025 NFL draft. A former junior college standout who transformed into a Division 1 powerhouse, CJ James has made a name for himself by punishing defenders, commanding the offensive line, and dedicating his craft to toughness and dedication.
Collin James isn’t just your typical center- he’s a leader, grinder, and a player who thrives in high-pressure situations. Whether he’s paving the way in the run game or locking down pass rushers, his mentality is clear:
“Dominate every snap” -CJ James
From his humble beginnings in junior college to being deemed one of the top centers in college football, CJ James is ready to take his determination to the highest level- and the NFL better take notice.
The Path to Domination
When it comes to being a center, CJ James never goes through the motions- every single snap he has is executed with elite intensity. His goal on every snap is to eliminate his assignment and impose his will in the trenches. His blend of technique and physicality makes him special in both the run and pass game. CJ James is a versatile weapon for any offensive line in the NFL.
“My mentality every play is to give maximum effort and finish my opponent whether that be in the passing game or the run game! My biggest thought process is to never let my guy make the play, whoever I am blocking I try to stick on them the best I can until the play is over.” – CJ James
CJ James didn’t start with glitz and glamour. He started at Lackawanna College, a junior college located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. James’s 4.0 GPA propelled him forward to Abilene Christian University where he received his first division 1 snaps, then carried him to New Mexico University, and he finished his dominant career at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). His unique path of grinding from the ground up allowed him to develop his discipline, mental toughness, and unmatched work ethic.
” I started playing center in Juco. That would make it seven years to date. I never thought I’d be good at playing center until I played it. I liked how I was the general of the Offensive Line and could call the shots. It’s a lot of pressure playing center but pressure creates diamonds and I am a diamond in the rough” -CJ James
Another standout trait that sets James apart from the rest of the high-caliber centers in this draft class is his IQ. As a center, James is the commander of the offensive line. James is responsible for pre-snap adjustments and reading defenses. The way that James approaches his calls is similar to a chess match, he starts by analyzing safety movements and rotations, then moves his way down to linebackers and defensive linemen. James’ methodical approach leads to his high success rate in execution and outsmarting defenses despite their attempts to hide delayed blitzes and coverages that would fool the average center.
“I start by reading the safeties, seeing where they are on the field if they are on the hashes or off the hashes, and if they are rocking and rolling. My next step is to look at the linebackers and see what they are doing on the field. This helps me make my judgment on where I will take my ID in protection or run game” – CJ James
Tailored For Success
When it comes to best fits, James sees himself excelling in dynamic run-heavy offenses such as the 49ers. The 49ers possess a scheme that will maximize James’ ability to get out in space and dominate at the second level, an area of his game that he considered to be his strongest.
“I like how dynamic the 49ers run game is, I feel I have the athletic ability to open holes in the run game and I have the ability to get out in the screen game well. My second-level blocking has been my biggest strength in my last year of football.” -CJ James
Beyond the X’s and O’s, James is driven by the massive chip on his shoulder. James has had to fight for every accolade he’s earned. James has proved himself at every school he’s been to as a leader and a role model and he is driven to outwork his competition. With James entering the 2025 NFL draft, he’s ready to prove to teams that he’s a warrior, a dog, and a player who will give his all day in and day out.
” I want every NFL team to know that CJ James is an animal and he will battle with anyone. He never backs down from any challenge and is ready to learn and work. Every day his goal is to bring energy and get better”.
Why CJ James?
As the draft process unfolds, CJ James is a player that NFL teams need to keep an eye on. James has the leadership, strength, and intelligence to take any offensive line to the next level. His journey from JUCO to D1 has molded him into the relentless competitor he is today. James describes himself as ” An animal, someone who never backs down from a challenge, and who brings energy daily. I’m here to work and learn and improve every day- because my best football is still ahead of me.” There is no doubt that with this mindset, CJ James isn’t just looking to make a roster- he’s looking to make a splash as soon as he signs the dotted line.
Written by: Kaleb J. Chester
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