Erasmus James

Infobox NFLactive
name=Erasmus James


currentteam=Washington Redskins
currentnumber=78
currentposition=Defensive end
birthdate=birth date and age|1982|11|4
birthplace=Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
heightft=6
heightin=4
weight=266
debutyear=2005
debutteam=Minnesota Vikings
college=Wisconsin
draftyear=2005
draftround=1
draftpick=18
pastteams=
* Minnesota Vikings (2005-2007)
* Washington Redskins (2008-present)
status=Active
highlights=
* First-team All-Big Ten (2004)
* Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year (2004)
* Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (2004)
* First-team AP All-American (2004)
nfl=JAM188263

Erasmus James (born November 4, 1982 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis) is an American football defensive end for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings 18th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin.

Early years

James attended McArthur High School in Hollywood, Florida and was a standout in football and basketball. Despite not playing football until his senior year, he posted 14 sacks, and 53 tackles (23 for losses) in his only season.

College career

James attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he played on the defensive line alongside teammate Anttaj Hawthorne. He finished his career with 124 tackles (25.5 for losses), 18 sacks, 28 quarterback hurries, seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and six pass deflections. James was deemed the nickname, "The Eraser," due to his ability to sack the quarterback. James was an All-American his senior season.

Professional career

Minnesota Vikings

James was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings 18th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft. During his rookie year he compiled 28 total tackles and 4 sacks. James missed most of the 2006 and 2007 seasons with injuries. The Vikings made their intentions clear to waive James on May 23, 2008, but later rescinded the waiver after the Washington Redskins offered a conditional 2009 seventh-round draft choice. He finished his injury-plagued career with the Vikings with a disappointing 37 tackles, and 5 sacks.

Washington Redskins

On May 27, 2008, the Vikings agreed to trade James to the Washington Redskins for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

External links

* [http://vikings.com/TeamPlayerProfile_erasmus_james.aspx Minnesota Vikings bio]