There will be another James in the University of Miami backfield soon.

On Saturday, Mike James, no relation to former UM star Edgerrin James or current junior Javarris James, became the latest running back to commit to the Hurricanes' 2009 signing class. He had made an unofficial visit to the school with his parents Friday after a three-hour drive from Polk County.

James (6-0, 212) ran for 1,108 yards and 15 touchdowns at Davenport Ridge High last season and is rated the No. 18 running back in the country by Rivals.com. He becomes the eighth junior to commit to UM since February and the second running back in the class, joining highly touted Bryce Brown, the younger brother of Hurricanes freshman linebacker Arthur Brown.

Like Brown, James said he is planning to graduate from high school in December and to enroll at UM in January so he can get a head start and participate in spring football.

''I love the tradition and the history the school has with running backs,'' said James, who added that he met briefly Friday with school president Donna Shalala and was given a campus tour by UM assistant Clint Hurtt.

``There's just a great line of them. And I just love the way the staff and everybody is so down to earth.

``Miami just felt like the perfect school for me.''

Charles Fishbein of EliteScoutingSer vices.com said James is underrated and likens him to former Central Florida standout Kevin Smith.

''He has great vision and balance, and he never goes down on the first hit,'' Fishbein said. 'Everybody talks about Jamaal Berry and Lamar Miller, but it's kids like him that end up being like the next Kevin Smith. He's one of those kids that in two, three years you'll say, `Where did this kid come from?' ''

Miami, which had the nation's No. 1 recruiting class in February, according to ESPN.com, is said to be interested in signing only two running backs in its 2009 class.

UM also has been recruiting the top player in Miami-Dade County, Killian running back Lamar Miller.

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