Facing elimination as an underdog in the state playoffs, Chris James played one of his best games to date, rushing for 323 yards and seven touchdowns to lead Niles Notre Dame to a win over Grayslake North on Friday.
242 of those yards and five of the scores came in the first half. On Saturday, he saw two Big Ten teams who love to run the ball when he traveled to Wisconsin and saw the Badgers take on Michigan State.
"I loved the atmosphere, the town, the fans, all of that stuff," he said of his trip to Camp Randall.
James has visited before, but this time, he had a chance to see the environment of a big time conference game. He has also met the coaches before, but missed an opportunity to reconnect with them this time around.
"Sadly I arrived a little late, so I didn't get a chance to meet with coaches, but hopefully they hear about my game this past Friday."
He did not miss meeting current Badger running back Montee Ball, and a former Wisconsin great and Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne.
"I was actually very nervous to approach to approach them. They are definitely two of my role models."
James does not have any offers currently, but given the season he has put together, it would seem like only a matter of time. If Wisconsin eventually offers, he says it would be an honor to follow guys like Dayne, Ball and others.
"Going to a school with a history of great backs would be very cool."
As far as other visits, he says, "Nothing planned yet. I sort of just want to focus on my team getting to state."
So far, he's off to a good start.