Waymon James next in line of dynamic tailbacks for Cedar Rapids Titans

CEDAR RAPIDS - In each of his four seasons with the Cedar Rapids Titans, Coach Mark Stoute has placed a premium on productive, versatile tailbacks.

LaRon Council parlayed two excellent seasons in Cedar Rapids into the Indoor Football League Hall of Fame. Last season, Washaun Ealey tied Council's franchise record with 24 total touchdowns.

Stoute feels he has the next in line in 5-foot-8, 205-pound Waymon James.

'James is a young version of LaRon Council,” said Stoute, who leads the Titans (2-2) into a United Conference game against five-time league champion Sioux Falls Storm (4-0) Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at the U.S. Cellular Center.

'He has all the pieces of a running back. He blocks, he's a hard-nosed runner, great vision. He has the athletic ability to cut on a dime. He can go from standing still to full speed in two steps.”

James, 25, leads the IFL in rushing with 226 yards and is second with seven rushing touchdowns. The Texas native averages 20.5 yards per kick return and is tied for the league lead with two scores. Throw in six catches out of the backfield, and James exemplifies what Stoute is looking for in the position.

'Anything they give me,” James said. 'They believe in me by calling my number, so that just encourages me more to get in the end zone and make sure I catch all the balls out of the backfield.”

James played collegiately at TCU and was one of the final roster cuts by the NFL's Tennessee Titans in 2014. Last season, he earned IFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after amassing a league-leading 1,605 all-purpose yards for the Nebraska Danger. After two February trades, James landed in Cedar Rapids.

'The next day I came out here and I didn't miss a beat,” James said. 'It seemed like I was here all training camp. Everything fit well.”

How long he remains in town is a legitimate question. Stoute already has fielded calls from CFL teams, so there could be next-level opportunities fairly soon.

For now, James is focused on helping the Titans get past undefeated Sioux Falls.

'We've got to have a fast start,” James said. 'We've just got to be consistent. As long as we start fast and we get (Cedar Rapids quarterback Dylan) Favre warmed up … we'll be fine.”

l Comments: douglas.miles@thegazette.com