Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
The last two running backs for the Stanhope Elmore High School football team have set different school records. In 2024, Arthur McQueen set the school record for rushing yards in a game with 420 yards on the road against Rehobeth. In 2025, Dee Barnes set the school record for touchdowns in the regular season with 29 touchdowns. Barnes also rushed for over 2,000 yards and was named 1st Team All-State in Class 6A by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.
The main thing those two running backs had in common?
Macin James was their primary blocker on the offensive line. James was a four-year starter on the offensive line for the Mustangs. Standing at over 6 feet tall and more than 300 pounds, James had more than 76 pancake blocks on the season.
In early February, James signed to continue his athletic career at Mercer University.
“I felt like the culture there would best suit me,” James said, when discussing why he chose Mercer. “What ultimately made my decision was the engagement from Coach Greene. He kept a line of contact with me every day and just actually cared.”
James visited the campus prior to signing and graduated high school early to enroll at Mercer. He already has some goals in mind for his freshman season.
“My number one goal for freshman year is definitely playing time, but another goal I hope to accomplish is to be so in tune with the playbook that others can come to me with questions instead of coach.”
James plans to get his degree in communications and wants to work in sports media.
