By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Despite leading the nation in rushing yards, Paul James will likely remain on special teams, head coach Kyle Flood said Sunday.

Paul James celebrates one of three
scores Saturday.
(For The Trentonian/ John Blaine)

James appeared on Rutgers' kickoff return team Saturday against Eastern Michigan.

"We've always had starters here that play on special teams," Flood said in his weekly teleconference. "It's one of the reasons we've been able to do as well as we've been able to in special teams. It's important to me that we continue to play at a high level on special teams."

Flood said James' role on Rutgers' kickoff return team remains to be seen. 

James, who has 493 rushing yards and six touchdowns in three games, missed time the last two seasons with an ankle injury and hip flexor. He appeared in two games last season and rushed five times.

James' meteoric rise in three weeks has been startling.

The sophomore began last season as Rutgers' third back. He is now its most indispensable option, especially with Gary Nova's uncertain status with a concussion.

MORE: Rutgers beats Eastern Michigan, loses Gary Nova

"Before every game and sit down and picture myself breaking long runs and getting into the end zone," James said Saturday at his locker. "I feel like you have to be able to see yourself do it before you can actually go out there and do it. When I see myself do it and I go out there on the field, it's not really surprising."