JMU football’s first depth chart of the 2024 season is finally here. The two deep gives fans a glimpse at who could start Saturday at Charlotte, although it also left plenty of unanswered questions.

Before we jump into a few thoughts on the depth chart, remember that it’s just a piece of paper. Yes, it gives an idea of who JMU might start, but it’s not the gospel. Taylor Thompson and Logan Kyle aren’t listed at TE, and they’re both capable of playing important roles for the Dukes this fall.

Last year, QB Jordan McCloud and WR Elijah Sarratt didn’t begin the year as starters. A lot can change over the course of a 12-game season, and the initial depth chart is merely a glimpse at the season to come.

With that disclaimer out of the way, let’s break down our major takeaways from JMU football’s first official 2024 depth chart.

No Starting QB Yet

JMU listed Dylan Morris and Alonza Barnett at quarterback with an “OR” between their names. The Dukes, as of Tuesday afternoon, have yet to name a starting quarterback for Saturday’s game.

Morris comes to JMU from Washington, where he thrived in 2020 (All Pac-12 Honorable Mention) and started in 2021. He served as the backup in 2022 and 2023, playing as a reserve. He’s highly experienced, and head coach Bob Chesney has praised his ability to read defenses and understand offensive concepts.

Barnett is the more mobile of the two quarterbacks, but he’s inexperienced. He started last year’s season opener against Bucknell but struggled so much that the Dukes replaced him with Jordan McCloud shortly after halftime. Barnett has all the tools to succeed, if he’s the starter.

“These are two mature guys who have both been through similar situations,” head coach Bob Chesney said Tuesday. “They had some success, and then all of the sudden it slowed down for a little bit, they supported someone else, and now they have their chances again.”

Chesney says both QBs have “great” chemistry with the WRs.

Tyshawn Wyatt Out?

Last year’s starting left tackle, Tyshawn Wyatt, wasn’t listed on the depth chart. Wyatt suffered a season-ending injury late last season to his leg, and it’s possible he’s not 100% healthy yet and will miss the season opener as a result.

Jesse Ramil (St. Francis) replaces Wyatt as the projected starter. Ramil was the highest-rated OL for St. Francis in 2023 (74.3), according to Pro Football Focus. He’s a quality player who should fit in immediately at left tackle, and he’s receiving significant reps during camp.

Wyatt, who spoke to JMU Sports News during Media Day, told us he’s practicing with the team. He likely won’t miss much time. Head coach Bob Chesney said Tuesday that the Dukes have one guy (presumably Wyatt) still coming back from a surgery, and that person is “really close” to being ready. 

The Dukes also have Georgetown transfer Luke Popma backing up Ramil. Popma was Georgetown’s highest-rated offensive lineman in 2023, per PFF.

Not so New

Of the 22 players listed first at their position on offense and defense, 12 of them played for JMU last season. While the Dukes will rely heavily on key transfers, the team’s roster turnover isn’t quite as stark as some national outlets have implied.

JMU returns a number of players expected to play meaningful roles in 2024.

WR Taji Hudson, WR Omarion Dollison, DT Immanuel Bush, LB Trent Hendrick, LB Gannon Weathersby, CB Justin Eaglin, and FS Kye Holmes all look poised to take on larger roles in 2024. They were all on JMU’s roster last season, playing for Curt Cignetti and company.

JMU lost plenty of talent in the portal, but the Dukes also return good players capable of taking on bigger roles alongside new transfers.

Other Notes

• Dollison, one of the fastest players on the team, is listed as a starting WR
• The Dukes list three starting linebackers, suggesting JMU could run a 4-3 this season (or at least Saturday against a run-heavy Charlotte team)
• JMU may start both Immanuel Bush and Chris Fitzgerald on Saturday. The two interior defensive linemen combine to weigh 619 lbs
• UConn transfer Noe Ruelas is listed as the starting kicker
• UNC RB George Pettaway is listed as the starting kick returner
• RB Wayne Knight is listed as the starting punt returner
• JMU lists Logan Ketchum as the long snapper (punts) and Jack Mowrey as the short snapper (FGs)
• Two true freshmen (WR Dylan Williams and S Chase Regan) both appeared as backups. They’re the only two true freshmen on the team’s initial two deep

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications