JMU football’s new coaching staff, led by head coach Bob Chesney has seemingly done well on the recruiting trail early in his tenure. Not only did the Dukes bring in a transfer portal class capable of helping the 2024 team compete for a Sun Belt Championship, but they also inked a solid 2024 high school class.

The early verbal commitments in the 2025 high school class also look promising, especially the team’s Florida prospects. Three of the Florida verbal commits starred in their recent season-opening high school games, proving why Chesney and company want to bring them to the FBS level next season.

Let’s break down the Week 1 performances for a few of JMU’s verbal commits from Florida. Our 2025 JMU football recruiting tracker can be found here.

Jamarice Wilder, RB

A former Colorado commit, Wilder announced his intention to join the Dukes in late June. His HS team opened the season with a 63-40 win, with Wilder reportedly running for 145 yards and three scores. He averaged more than seven yards per carry, per MaxPreps. Wilder has Power Conference talent, and he’s playing on an offense with plenty of other FBS recruits. Wide receiver Winston Watkins Jr. is a four-star prospect with offers from Indiana and Ole Miss, among others. 

Check out Wilder (No. 3) scoring one of his three touchdowns at the 57-minute mark of this video. Wilder broke three tackles on his way into the end zone. If you watch a few other plays, you’ll see Watkins absolutely dominating an overmatched secondary. 

While Wilder’s offensive line dominated the matchup, he did well to run behind the powerful unit. He showcased a consistent ability to break tackles and elude defenders, a good sign when facing an overmatched defense. 

Jerald James, DE

James posted eight tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack last weekend, according to his social media feed. His social post also includes a few highlights from his performance, and he checks the boxes of a top-tier defensive end. His social media bio says he’s 6’3, 215 lbs, and has a 6’10 wingspan. He looks the part, towering over some of his peers and showcasing length that should translate well to the FBS level. 

James is arguably the top defender currently committed to JMU, as he received offers from Maryland, West Virginia, and SMU. He’s a game-wrecker at defensive end.

We spoke to James this summer about his commitment to JMU.

Roy’Marr Thomas, DE

A punishing defensive end, Thomas had two sacks in a season-opening 28-14 win. We couldn’t find his official stats, but he told us he finished the game with two sacks, and he shared a sack of his on social media. Thomas was a significant pickup for the Dukes, having also received significant interest from FAU and USF.

He’s an explosive player with the ability to generate sacks and tackles for loss consistently. 

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications