Richie James


Richard Rhondel "Richie" James Jr. is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He played college football at Middle Tennessee State.

Early years

James attended Riverview High School in Sarasota, Florida. Along with playing football, he also participated and lettered in track, winning multiple state titles. James originally committed to play football for the Georgia Southern Eagles in December 2013, but decommitted after a coaching change. He then committed to play football for the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in January 2014, signing in February 2014.

College career

James did not play as a true freshman in 2014 and chose to redshirt.
As a redshirt freshman in 2015, James played in all 13 of Middle Tennessee's games, catching 108 passes for 1,346 yards and eight touchdowns. He also rushed for 146 yards and one touchdown on 12 attempts. He was named to the 2015 C-USA All-Conference First Team and the 2015 C-USA All-Freshman Team.
In 2016, James once again played in all 13 games, catching 105 passes for 1,625 yards, tallying 12 touchdowns, along with rushing for 339 yards and four touchdowns on 38 attempts. He was named to the 2016 C-USA All-Conference First Team.
As a redshirt junior in 2017, James played in five games, catching 31 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns. However, he broke his collarbone against Marshall and was ruled out for the season. During his limited playing time in 2017, James became Middle Tennessee's career leader in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. After the season, James declared for the 2018 NFL Draft.

Collegiate statistics

Professional career

James was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
During Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, he made his first NFL reception, which went for seven yards. During a Week 14 victory against the Seattle Seahawks, James scored his first NFL touchdown after returning a 97-yard kickoff return in the first quarter. In the regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams, he caught three passes for 32 yards and a touchdown.
James finished his rookie year with 655 return yards and a touchdown along with nine receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown.
James was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the 49ers on July 27, 2020.

NFL statistics