http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/sports/040526/james.shtml
James to rejoin Alabama football team this week
By Gentry Estes
DAILY Sports Writer
[EMAIL PROTECTED] � 340-2460
As a flood of University Alabama students leaves town for the summer, Chris James
couldn't wait to return.
The Crimson Tide senior safety and special teams standout reports back to the football
team this week after dropping out of school and returning home this spring for "family
reasons."
When reached at home Tuesday night, James said he kept his apartment in Tuscaloosa,
and he'll begin summer classes at Alabama in a matter of weeks.
"I'm OK," James said. "Everything is just fine."
James missed spring practice while taking classes at Darton College, a junior college
in his hometown of Albany, Ga. James said there were no problems enrolling again at
Alabama. He's still on track to graduate in December, the Tide held his football
scholarship for him and he still plans to compete for a starting job in the defensive
backfield this fall.
Last season, James made a name for himself on special teams. Of Alabama's five blocked
kicks, James had four of them, including a 32-yard block and touchdown return at Ole
Miss.
Tide held scholarship for him
James said Alabama offered to hold his scholarship for him, while he has been in
communication with secondary coach Chris Ball and head coach Mike Shula. James
wouldn't comment on why he left the team except to say it was for personal reasons.
"We thought the best thing for me to do was to take off and come home," he said.
Admitting it probably hurt his progress to miss spring drills, James said he has been
working out in Albany and added "a couple of pounds." He plans to train in the summer
and compete for a spot in a depth-depleted secondary.
"I'll have to work that much harder," James said. "There's always room for
competition. That's what two-a-days are all about."
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