November 12, 2012

Miami Athletics

University of Miami senior running back Mike James is one of four finalists for the third annual Pop Warner National College Football Award, announced Tuesday by Pop Warner Little Scholars Inc.

James is joined by Duke quarterback Sean Renfree, Michigan offensive guard Patrick Omameh and UConn wide receiver Nick Williams.

The award, established in 2010, recognizes a Pop Warner alumnus who has made a difference on the field, in the classroom and in his community. It is presented to a student-athlete who has taken the ideals of Pop Warner to the next level and serves as a role model to Pop Warner's young scholar athletes.

In September, James, a Haines City, Fla., native, was one of 11 FBS players named to the 2012 AFCA Allstate Good Works Team. In 48 career games, James has amassed 1,248 rushing yards and 20 total touchdowns as a Miami Hurricane. During his career at the University of Miami, James has contributed countless hours to supporting community service organizations in the Miami community, including volunteering for Empowered Youth, an organization providing mentoring to at-risk youth, serving as a project manager for the 2012 University of Miami Bone Marrow Drive and serving meals to the homeless with the Miami Rescue Mission. James has also been involved with The Ronald McDonald House, Rushing the Community and Canes on Patrol.

The Pop Warner National College Football Award will be announced Dec. 5 during the 56th annual Pop Warner Super Bowl at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. The inaugural award was presented to former Nebraska and current New York Giants defensive back Prince Amukamara. In 2011, the award was presented to former Virginia and current Washington Redskins cornerback Chase Minnifield.