James started on both the offensive and defensive lines for three seasons at Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, Alabama.
James started all 47 games for the Auburn Tigers over his four-year career (1996–99), including the final three seasons at left tackle.
He entered a game against the San Francisco 49ers on October 22 at left tackle in place of the injured Clarence Jones.
He started the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on September 8, and a game at the Atlanta Falcons on October 20.
He started all 16 regular season games and all four post-season contests at left guard for the NFC Champion Panthers.
In addition, Carolina's line allowed just 27 sacks on the season - the eighth-lowest total in the NFL - and a new franchise single-season record.
He was part of a line that yielded just 26 sacks (the fourth-lowest total in the NFL), and led a running game that averaged 118.6 yards an outing and 4.3 yards per rush attempt, which ranked seventh and fourth in the AFC, respectively.
Inconsistency and poor play at the left tackle and center positions that surround James did not help either.