James — a five-year letterman that graduated in 2024 — was named to the All-ASUN Third Team in 2024 and broke the all-time strikeout record in his final season for the Lions. He appeared in 67 games with 38 starts and earned 11 wins in his time, including five in 2024.
After finishing his career in the purple and white, James signed with the Williamsport Crosscutters of the MLB Draft League.
"Jacob was an elite student-athlete for our program and university," said Prachniak, who was announced to a contract extension last week. "His success on the filed speaks for itself; his intangibles are what makes him such a valued member of our team. Jacob was named a two-time captain as a player because of his leadership skills and ability to connect with every person on the roster. Those attributes will serve him well as he transitions into a coaching role. We are looking forward to having Jacob back in our dugout. He will have an immediate positive impact."
James finished the 2024 campaign with an impressive 105 strikeouts in 76.2 innings pitched; the 105 strikeouts is a single-season record for UNA's Division I era.
James holds the all-time career strikeouts record for the Lions with 284. In his final season, he threw two 12 strikeout games against UT Martin and Jacksonville, which holds as a Division I single-game record for the Lions.
"I'm thrilled to officially join the University of North Alabama baseball coaching staff," said James. "After five years as a player in this program and having the privilege to play under Coach Prachniak for the last two, it's an incredible opportunity to now step into this new position surrounded by this coaching staff and athletic department. I'm excited to get to continue pushing the standard and contributing to the next chapter of UNA Baseball. Roar Lions!"
The Loretto, Tenn. native joined the staff as the Director of Pitching Development during the summer before being awarded the Pitching Coach position after the departure of David Mervis.
A graduate of Loretto High school, James won state championships in both baseball and basketball during his time with the Mustangs. His father, Mike James, pitched for the Lions in 1986-87.
