EUGENE, Ore.— Oregon running back Jordan James is ready for the challenge as the Ducks prepare to take on Michigan this week, knowing the Wolverines bring a tough, physical defense to the table.

"Yeah, most definitely, especially when we're playing somebody like this," James said. "They have a good physical defense, so we're going to be throwing the ball this week for sure."

As James closes in on the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the season, he credits his offensive line and teammates for his success. "It feels good. That's just a reflection of my offensive line, like I say all the time," James said. "But it's a reflection of the full teamwork, the unit work, offense that we've been putting in."

The journey to this point hasn't been easy, and James knows the demands that come with being a running back in the Big Ten. "Yeah, it's pretty hard on the body, especially the Big Ten Conference," James said. "So it's just you've got to get in here and just take care of your body, you know, cold tub, ice tub, things like that." James has made sure to focus on prehab and rehab, understanding the importance of maintenance. "Just taking care of it, just coming, you know, prehab, rehab, all that type of stuff," he added.

The Ducks' upcoming matchup against Michigan is expected to be a physical battle, but James feels prepared. "No, I know my offense as long as I get the job done. So it doesn't matter who we line up against," James said confidently. He acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting that Michigan's defense is formidable, with players who have dominated on tape. "They have a good physical defense, so we're going to be throwing the ball this week for sure," James reiterated.

James also spoke about his responsibilities beyond rushing the football. Pass protection, for instance, is something he takes pride in. "No, it just feels good," James said. "You know, you try to show what you can do without the ball in your hands because, you know, that matters just as much as what you can do with the ball in your hands. So, you know, it feels good to knock the guys basically pretty much." He emphasized that being effective in other aspects of the game, like pass protection, is equally important to making big plays with the ball.

Speaking about his teammate Noah Whittington, James couldn't help but admire his physical running style. "He's—it was violent—that's something, dude, I told him. I said that's how I'm used to seeing you run, bro," James said. "He's violent, he's physical. He's not—he doesn't have as much size as me, but he runs just as physical, even more physical than me." This physicality has earned Whittington the nickname "Bucky," a name that has stuck since he joined the team. "Yeah, we've been calling him Bucky since he got here, so we feel like he runs like Bucky," James said. "But, you know, we see this in practice every day, so it was not a surprise to any of us on this island at all."

James also highlighted the hard work of Da'Juan Riggs. "You know, he puts in the work. You know, he comes in, he takes notes, he wants to learn," James said. "You know, as a young guy, it's important to learn. You know, he's just taking it all in as a freshman, and he's enjoying it." James praised Riggs's dedication to improving, noting that his willingness to learn and adapt is crucial for success at this level.

Looking ahead to the game, James knows the Ducks will need to bring their physical best against Michigan's stout defensive line. "He's a physical guy. That whole front, that whole defensive line is pretty physical," James said. "So, you know, we're going to have to be more physical than them." The matchup will be a test of wills, and James is confident that the Ducks are prepared to rise to the challenge.

James understands that being a running back in the Big Ten means embracing the physical toll of the game. He discussed how managing his workload and staying healthy are critical, especially during a season with several 20-plus touch games. "Yeah, it's pretty hard on the body," James reiterated. "You just have to come in here and take care of your body, use the cold tub, ice tub—whatever it takes."

Despite the challenges, James has remained focused on his goals. "It feels good to be contributing like this," he said. "It's not just about the yards. It's about showing what I can do even when I don't have the ball—blocking, being physical, doing the dirty work. All of that matters just as much." His commitment to every aspect of the game is what has allowed him to be successful, and he aims to keep pushing forward.

James also shared some insight on what it's like to watch his teammates succeed. Reflecting on Whittington's recent performances, James said, "He's violent, he's physical, and that's what we love about him. He may not have my size, but he runs just as physical—maybe even more so." The camaraderie between the players is evident, with James expressing pride in Whittington's contributions. "We call him Bucky because he runs like Bucky, and it’s something we see every day in practice. None of this is a surprise to us."

With the Michigan game looming, James knows it will take a team effort to come out on top. "Their defense is tough, no doubt about it," James said. "But we have to be tougher. It’s going to come down to who can be more physical, who wants it more. And I know my guys—we're ready for this."