Written By
Written By
Written By
Written By
The quarterback position belongs to Nico Iamaleava. He’s a dual-threat talent (505 rushing yards). Without his ability to scramble, I question if he can sit in the pocket and make all the right decisions. He can make every throw. The talent is there without a question. He just needs to consistently put it all together.
The running back room returns experience in Anthony Woods and Javian Thomas. Both have starting experience. The additions of Dylan Lee (Iowa State) and Wayne Knight (James Madison) give this room quality depth. Knight rushed for nearly 1,400 yards last season, at 6.6 yards per carry.
The wide receiver room is very transfer heavy. Mikey Mathews has the most returning experience. The additions of Marcus Harris (Washington), Semaj Morgan (Michigan), Landon Ellis (James Madison), Leland Smith (San Jose State), Brian Rowe Jr. (South Carolina), Aidan Mizell (Florida), and tight end Josh Phifer (James Madison) will all see plenty of action.
The offensive line room returns experience in Sam Yoon, Julian Armella, Jensen Somerville, and Eugene Brooks. The additions of JD Dean (James Madison), Jordan Davis (South Alabama), Carter Sweazie (James Madison), Riley Robell (James Madison), Sean Na’a (Arizona State), Maek Indestad (Eastern Michigan), Hall Schmidt (Boise State), and Derek Osman (Harvard) are massive, but will need some time to gel.
The defensive line room is very transfer heavy. AJ Fuimaono has the most returning experience. The additions of Tyson Ford (California), Maxwell Roy (Ohio State), Amier Washington (Texas Tech), Darold De Ngohe (Rutgers), Ryan McCulloch (California), Dallin Havea (Utah Tech), Aiden Gabaira (James Madison), and Sahir West (James Madison) will all see action.
The linebacker room returns some production in Jalen Woods and Donavyn Pellot. The additions of Sammy Omosigho (Oklahoma), Anthony Sacca (Notre Dame), and Drew Spinogatti (James Madison) will all see action. Omosigho and Woods could be a very solid one-two punch.
The secondary returns experience in Scooter Jackson, Rodrick Pleasant, Cole Martin, and Robert Stafford III. The additions of Malik Hartford (Ohio State), Jhase McMillan (Montana State), Tao Johnson (Utah), Ta’Shawn James (Iowa State), Derrick Barksdale (James Madison), Osiris Gilbert (UConn), and Dante Lovett (Virginia Tech) help make this the best and deepest unit on the team.
Kicker Mateen Bhaghani returns and is very reliable, especially inside 50 yards. Punting duties will belong to Sam Houston transfer Curtis Gerrand. James Madison transfer Wayne Knight is also a weapon as a punt returner.
Year 1 success is more attainable for Bob Chesney and company. The conference schedule isn't rough until November. Things will need to gel in the trenches on both sides of the ball. The talent is there to return to bowl eligibility and to grow from there.
