JMU head football coach Bob Chesney isn’t ready to publicly name a starting quarterback for its Week 1 game against Charlotte. Chesney declined to name a starter during Monday’s Sun Belt coaches call.

“Do you have a decision yet on who will start at quarterback against Charlotte, and if you do, will you share it with us?” The Richmond Times-Dispatch’s Mike Barber asked.

“No, on both,” Chesney replied.

The Candidates

Chesney is deciding between Washington transfer Dylan Morris and returning quarterback Alonza Barnett.

Morris is the presumed favorite to win the job, as he was a major addition during the offseason. The quarterback started for the Huskies in 2020 and 2021, earning a Pac-12 Honorable Mention in 2020. He’s started 15 career games at the Power Five level, and he was the backup quarterback for a Washington team that came one win shy of a national title in 2023.

Barnett won JMU’s starting gig last season, but a woeful performance against Bucknell (3-11, 15 yards, one interception) led to Jordan McCloud taking over the job. McCloud never looked back, leading JMU to 11 wins and earning Sun Belt Player of the Year honors.

Chesney says he likes both options, but he’s not publicly naming a starter yet.

“There’s a lot that can be done by both of them,” Chesney said. “There’s no shortage of plays or ways to attack a defense.”

Different Skills

Chesney didn’t rule out the possibility that both guys could play, given their different strengths. Barnett struggled passing against Bucknell, but he did run the ball five times for 29 yards and a touchdown against the Bison last season. He’s a capable rusher with a strong arm.

Morris only has 56 career rushing yards, but he’s a polished passer with a good ability to process defenses. He’s far more experienced, which could be valuable with a season opener on the road against a Group of Five foe.

“Any option right now is a viable option,” Chesney said. “They’re both very good football players.”

It’s possible both guys play in Week 1, as the Dukes may create a rushing package around Barnett’s skills.

It’s unclear if Chesney plans to officially announce a starter prior to Saturday’s game against Charlotte.

“They’re two really great options,” Chesney said. “It’s a great problem to have at this moment. Don’t look at it as a problem. Look at it [as], ‘What do we need to do to win this game on Saturday?’ I think that’s really what we’re focused on … we’re gonna come to the right agreement for our program at that right moment.”

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications