Five Key Questions for JMU Football as Spring Practices Approach

JMU Football Kicks Off Spring Camp: A Season of Hope and Questions

As the sun rises on the campus of James Madison University, the anticipation for the upcoming football season is palpable. The Dukes, fresh off a 9-4 record in Bob Chesney’s inaugural season as head coach, are gearing up for spring camp, which begins Monday. With a solid roster of returning players, the Dukes are setting their sights high, aiming for a Sun Belt title and a potential berth in the College Football Playoff. However, as the team prepares for the challenges ahead, several pressing questions linger in the air.

Any Hints About QB Alonza Barnett’s Future?

One of the most significant concerns heading into spring camp is the status of quarterback Alonza Barnett. After suffering a knee injury in the regular-season finale of 2024, Barnett is not expected to fully participate in spring practices. His recovery timeline remains uncertain, and head coach Bob Chesney has been somewhat vague about Barnett’s availability for the upcoming season.

Chesney recently stated, “The exact date I think is moving. He feels like he’s a little bit ahead, so I feel like by the time we get to camp, he’ll be in a really good spot.” However, the likelihood of Barnett being ready to compete for the starting job in fall camp seems slim.

The Dukes have bolstered their quarterback room by bringing in transfers Matthew Sluka from Holy Cross/UNLV and Camden Coleman from Richmond. Both players present formidable competition for Barnett, especially given his absence from offseason training. With Barnett’s future in Harrisonburg looking increasingly uncertain, the spring will be crucial for him to either reclaim his position or consider transferring to another program.

Who Will Start at QB?

With Barnett’s situation in flux, the battle for the starting quarterback position is heating up between Sluka and Coleman. Sluka, known for his dual-threat capabilities, has a proven track record, having rushed for over 3,000 yards and scored 39 touchdowns in his career. However, his passing accuracy has been a concern, with only one season above a 60% completion rate.

On the other hand, Coleman brings a more polished passing game to the table, boasting a 65% career completion percentage and a strong arm. Yet, he lacks experience against FBS opponents, having never started a game at that level. As Chesney aptly noted, “Nothing is handed to anybody. They’ve all got to battle for it.” The competition between these two quarterbacks will be one of the most watched storylines of the spring.

Who Gets Cut?

As the Dukes prepare for the upcoming season, they face the challenge of roster limitations set to take effect on July 1. Currently, the team exceeds the 105-player limit, necessitating difficult decisions about who will remain on the roster.

Chesney acknowledged the tough reality, stating, “There will be guys that we really like a lot that we feel really confident could help us that we just don’t have room for.” While top scholarship players are safe, walk-ons and those on the fringes of the roster may find themselves cut. This situation will create a highly competitive atmosphere during spring practices, as players vie for their spots on the team.

Can the Front Six/Seven Be Elite?

While the Dukes’ secondary appears solid with returning players like Chauncey Logan and D.J. Barksdale, the loss of key defensive linemen and linebackers raises questions about the front six or seven. Graduations and transfers have left gaps that need to be filled, particularly with the departures of Eric O’Neill, Khairi Manns, and Jacob Dobbs.

To address these losses, JMU has brought in transfers like Xavier Holmes from Maine and Aiden Gobaira from Notre Dame, but questions remain about who will step up alongside projected starters like Immanuel Bush and Trent Hendrick. Spring practices will be critical for players like LB Trashon Dye and DE Sahir West, who have the potential to emerge as stars in this revamped defense.

Any NFL Prospects?

As the Dukes look to elevate their program, sending players to the NFL via the draft can significantly enhance their recruiting efforts. However, JMU hasn’t had a player drafted since 2020, raising concerns about the visibility of their talent.

While it seems unlikely that any Dukes will be selected in the 2025 draft, players like CB Terrence Spence and LB Jacob Dobbs could attract attention. Looking ahead to the 2026 draft, potential candidates include DT Immanuel Bush and WR Nick DeGennaro, among others. The Dukes are eager to prove that they can develop NFL talent without players needing to transfer to Power Five schools.

Conclusion

As JMU football embarks on its spring camp, the excitement is matched by uncertainty. With key questions surrounding the quarterback position, roster cuts, defensive capabilities, and potential NFL prospects, the Dukes have a lot to prove in the coming weeks. As the team prepares for what promises to be a pivotal season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these storylines unfold. The journey to a Sun Belt title and a shot at the College Football Playoff begins now, and the Dukes are ready to make their mark.