Cory James
Introduction
Cory Miguel James (born May 22, 1993) is an American football linebacker for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Colorado State. He was selected by the Raiders in the sixth round (194th overall) in the 2016 NFL draft.
High school career
James attended Del Rio High School where he lettered twice in football. As a junior in 2009, he started all 13 games. As a senior in 2010, he started the first eight games before suffering a torn left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Before suffering the injury, he had recorded, combined as a junior and senior, 116 tackles, 26 tackles-for-loss, 11 sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Despite his injury, James was voted the District 29-5A Co-Linebacker of the Year as well as First team All-District for the second consecutive year.
While at Del Rio, James also played on the schools baseball team. As a football player, he was recruited by TCU, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas State, Louisiana Tech and East Carolina Pirates football.
College career
James then attended Colorado State where he majored in liberal arts.
In 2011 he redshirt, granting him a fifth year of eligibility. In 2012 as a redshirt freshman, he set a school record with 7.5 sacks. He finished the season with 54 tackles (26 solo) and 10.5 tackles-for-loss. He earned freshman All-America honors from the Football Writers Association of America and College Football News (Second-team), as well as Second team national All-Freshman and Season team All-Mountain West by Phil Steele.
In 2013 as a redshirt sophomore, James started 13 games. He recorded 60 tackles (29 solo), eight sacks, 12 tackles-for-loss, one pass broken up, two forced fumbles and five quarterback hurries. In 2014 as a redshirt junior, appeared in all 13 games with 12 starts. He recorded 51 tackles (29 solo), a team leading 8.5 tackles-for-loss, 6.5 sacks, three quarterback hurries and once forced fumble. In 2015 as a redshirt senior, he appeared in all 13 games, starting 12. He recorded 65 tackles (28 solo), two sacks and 10 tackles-for-loss.
Career statistics
| | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Year | Team | GP/GS | Tackles | Sacks | Pass defense | Fumbles | Safeties | TDs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | Ast | Total | TFL | No | Int | PD | FF | FR | |||||||||||||
| 2011 | Col. St. | 0 / 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| 2012 | Col. St. | -- / -- | 27 | 27 | 54 | 11 | 7.5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| 2013 | Col. St. | 13 / 13 | 29 | 30 | 59 | 12 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| 2014 | Col. St. | 13 / 12 | 30 | 21 | 51 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| 2015 | Col. St. | 13 / 12 | 28 | 37 | 65 | 10.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| Career | -- / -- | 114 | 115 | 229 | 41.5 | 24 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||
Professional career
| Ht | Wt | 40-yd dash | 10-yd split | 20-yd split | 20-ss | 3-cone | Vert | Broad | BP | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 0 in | 229 lb | 4.60 s | 1.63 s | 2.68 s | 4.50 s | 6.65 s | 35 in | 10 ft 7 in | 16 reps | ||||||||||
| All values from Colorado State pro day | |||||||||||||||||||
James was selected in the sixth round (194th overall) of the 2016 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders. On Friday, May 20, 2016 he signed his rookie contract with the Raiders, a four-year contract worth $2,472,480, including a $132,480 signing bonus.
Entering Week 5, James had the most tackles for a linebacker (21) without having a missed tackle in the season.
Personal life
James is the son of Clarence and Sheila James. He has one older brother. While in college, James volunteered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Larimer County, Colorado.