By Daniel Merriman

James Madison’s football program has experienced tremendous turnover during this offseason. When there is a new coaching staff and 96% of JMU’s offensive production is gone, many outside media members begin to doubt. 

However, there is immense room for optimism because of the talent brought to Harrisonburg. 

Today, we’ll discuss some returners and new faces who have stood out on the offensive side of the ball. This list is not comprehensive and will be subject to change as we get closer to Aug. 31. 

It is still very early in camp and some things could be way off. However, the Dukes’ trip to Charlotte, NC is on the horizon, and these are some of the players that could become contributors or even stars.

Offensive Standouts

Quarterback

Dylan Morris is QB1 and it does not feel particularly close. Although he has a bit of an unorthodox throwing motion, Morris has solid arm strength and good accuracy. 

Alonza Barnett has looked solid, especially in the run game. However, Morris has more wheels than people would expect. Watching him take off in read-option drills has been fun to watch. Morris has taken a majority of the “first team” type of reps and has looked good throughout camp. 

There are some details to refine, but Morris hasn’t started a game since 2021. Once the University of Washington transfer gets his timing dialed in with his receivers this offense could be explosive. 

Running Backs

New RB coach David Sims Jr. appears to be making an immediate impact. His entire room looked poised during the first six days of camp to make an impact. 

The standout of the bunch is Ayo Adeyi. He is as good as advertised. The North Texas transfer ran for 1,017 yards and 7.1 yards per carry in 2023. 

The Mansfield, TX native plays like a compact bowling bowl that can accelerate in the blink of an eye. His vision in the backfield should be a breath of fresh air for a James Madison program that struggled to have a consistent run game a season ago. Adeyi has been catching passes from Morris out of the backfield and his hands look solid as well. Don’t be surprised if JMU fans see him catch some passes in the flats. 

Wayne Knight has also gotten lots of reps with projected QB1 Dylan Morris. Knight, Jobi Malary, Tyler Purdy, and George Pettaway will all be fighting for snaps as we get further into camp. There is no doubt in my mind that the first running back on the depth chart is Ayo Adeyi.

Wide Receivers

Cam Ross and Taji Hudson have both impressed in different ways. Ross is a speedster who should be great in the slot as well as on the outside. His ability to be a vertical threat in this offense should give fans flashbacks to some of Reggie Brown’s plays this past year. 

Taji Hudson is a big physical receiver with great hands and a phenomenal blocker. Hudson’s gloves feel like they have duct tape on them. During the drills I’ve watched, I haven’t seen him drop a ball since week 2 of camp started. Those two should be heavily featured in the Dukes’ aerial attack this fall. 

There is another group of WRs that have flashed in certain moments. Dylan Williams, Max Moss, Brionne Penny, and Yamir Knight have impressed. They will all be fighting for playing time throughout camp. Max Moss’ route running has looked crisp as well.

O-Line

Some players I’ve seen getting consistent reps include Tanner Morris, Cole Potts, Pat McMurtrie, Jesse Ramil, Carter Sweazie, and Joseph Simmons. Ramil has looked very quick on his feet during some drills. 

New Offensive Line Coach Chris Smith has lots of experience with head coach Bob Chesney and the NFL. That should help the Dukes’ run game immensely. 

Depth at the O-Line position will be critical as the season progresses. James Madison saw both of its starting tackles get hurt last season.

Tight End

Logan Kyle and Taylor Thompson are set to have big years. Both fit more of a receiving tight-end role. Thompson has changed his body and looks jacked compared to last year. Kyle has flashed catching the ball and has SEC experience. Both should get significant reps throughout the year. 

Kyi Wright is also a name getting touted for bone-crushing blocks.  The youngster Josh Phifer has looked solid as well. 

Looking Ahead

These are just my observations from the opportunities I’ve had to see this team during fall camp. I am mostly extrapolating from drills, what I’ve heard from around the program, and the on-the-field pairings that make sense. 

If Dylan Morris and Ayo Adeyi are on the field at the same time, I may think that some of the guys playing with them are going to be on the two deep. 

Keep it locked to JMU Sports News for my defensive breakdown. JMU’s defense has been the dominant force throughout practice so far. However, the offense has made strides in the past several days to close that gap and will continue to do so as game one quickly approaches!

Featured image courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications (@JMUFootball / X)