About a month ago, we shared 20 thoughts about JMU football’s offensive players. We waited on the defensive version of the story to garner more insights from camp.

Here are 20 thoughts on the Dukes’ defenders.

Aiden Gobaira, DE: His career with the Fighting Irish was derailed because of injuries, but he was a four-star recruit with elite traits (6’5 and 250+ lbs with speed). He could be a force in the Sun Belt, if he’s healthy. From what we’ve heard and read, he’s ready to go and looks good in camp.

Xavier Holmes, DE: The Maine transfer tallied 72 tackles and 12.5 TFLs in 2024, playing over 700 snaps. That’s an insane snap count. How will he look in 2025 when he plays better competition but isn’t forced to play nearly as many snaps?

Turner Schmidt, DE: The Robert Morris transfer played for new LBs coach Dave Plungas in 2024. Schmidt recorded 5.5 TFLs and 4.5 sacks as a true freshman and received an offer from Mississippi State in the spring portal before picking the Dukes. Coaches told us he was a top priority in the spring portal.

Sahir West, DE: Time for the Baltimore native to become a star. At 6’4 and 270 lbs with a high motor and freakish athleticism, the redshirt freshman will rotate at DE. He’s ready for a breakout season after playing in the Dukes’ final two games of 2024.

Amar Thomas, DE: He can cover and rush the passer as a hybrid edge/OLB. Expect JMU to be creative with the redshirt junior this year. He’s yet to emerge with a huge season but seems close with two years left. He had a solid 20 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2024. Can he become a 5-sack guy this fall?

Immanuel Bush, DT: The defense starts with Bush. He has NFL potential in the middle of the defensive line and should command double teams this fall. Sun Belt teams can’t afford to leave him one-on-one often. It’s a major boost for JMU that he didn’t hit the portal after posting a PFF grade of 75.3 that included a rushing defense grade over 80.

Andrew Taddeo, DT: The Colgate transfer was a critical portal addition. He has a high motor and should factor into the rotation alongside Bush. If he lives up to his potential (80.2 PFF grade in 2024 with grades above 75 for both pass rush and run defense), the Dukes could have one of the best interior defensive lines in the Group of Five.

Mychal McMullin, DT: A 2024 training camp darling, McMullin finished this past season with 13 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Just a redshirt sophomore, the future is bright for the 290-pound defensive tackle.

Trent Hendrick, LB: Hendrick is so, so solid. Can he take a step forward and become elite? The senior is experienced (103 tackles in 35 appearances over three seasons), but he’s never posted a season-long PFF grade over 68.4, which he recorded in 2024. If he posts a grade over 75, the Dukes’ defense might be elite.

Gannon Weathersby, LB: A bit bigger this season at 222 lbs rather than about 205 lbs, Weathersby looks poised to make a leap. He’s a projected starter next to Hendrick and his athleticism could help him develop into the best linebacker on the team. A junior, I’m predicting Weathersby has several P4 teams trying to poach him by the end of the season.

JT Kouame-Yao, LB: The D2 transfer is an explosive athlete with good coverage skills. He should mix into the rotation at the position and has good upside as a backup to the team’s top two linebackers.

Mekhi Rogers, CB: The St. Francis transfer is expected to be a starter. At 6’2, he’s a bigger corner who can take on opposing No. 1 wide receivers. His ceiling could determine if JMU’s defense is good or great.

Elijah Culp, CB: He’s played at several schools, including Charlotte in 2024. Look for him to factor into the rotation — and maybe start. A late portal addition, Culp is more or less Chauncey Logan’s replacement.

Chantz Harley, CB: The Maryland transfer was one of the few bright spots in the Terps’ secondary in 2024. He should fit in nicely to the Dukes’ scheme.

Justin Eaglin, CB: A Week 1 starter in 2024, Eaglin faded out of the rotation down the stretch of the season. Still, he’s one of the team’s top four corners on paper. The Dukes need him to be a reliable option off the bench.

Jacob Thomas, S: Thomas was a below-average player when he arrived on campus. Now the former walk-on is one of the best in the Group of Five. His development is extraordinary, and keeping him healthy through the full season is paramount.

Curtis Harris-Lopez, S: The Holy Cross transfer is a great option to have alongside Thomas, if the Dukes opt to start Harris-Lopez. He’s experienced (34 games played) and productive (56 tackles, 9.5 TFLs and 2 INTs in 2024) — a combination that often works out well when Holy Cross transfers join JMU.

Tyler Brown, S: The sophomore might start alongside Thomas. He’s that talented and we’ve heard great things coming out of camp. He played 43 snaps in the bowl game and looked awesome.

DJ Barksdale, Nickel: Barksdale turned into a star as a sophomore, tallying 42 tackles and a pair of interceptions. With a 2024 PFF grade just over 76, only Thomas had a higher grade among returning defenders.

KJ Flowe, Nickel: He played 175 snaps as a freshman, as the defensive coaches trusted him in the rotation. Can he make a sophomore leap? The talent is there for him to become a future starter

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications