4.5.18
The JMU Football Dukes returned to practice on Thursday coming off what might have been the most disappointing spring practice on Tuesday. From the beginning of practice there was a different tone, a better tone. Coaches were asking players to do things, with much less of “do it again” and more of “good job” coming from the staff. Coach Mike Houston said that the team knew he and the staff were not happy with the way Tuesday’s practice went and credited his team with responding in such a positive manner.
The installment continues to move at a slower pace than last year, due mainly to the number of new faces participating and the number of guys who are recovering from injuries. On defense, UVA transfer Landan Word continues to be a staple at linebacker, with several young moving parts around him. Jimmy Moreland has continued to practice hard every day, even though he’s going to return see a lot of action this year. Wake Forest transfer Paris Black is a vocal player who the coaches hope his experience at the ACC level will translate quickly to leadership and quality play on the d-line.
The offense is still allowing four quarterbacks to try and earn the starting job. Returning players Cole Johnson and Hunter Etheridge were the only two to see game action with the Dukes last year. Ben DiNucci played six games at Pittsburgh in the ACC, and Gage Moloney used his redshirt year last season with JMU. All four continue to make a lot of good throws, and wide out Riley Stapleton says that all four guys are talented and can make the needed throws. The chemistry is growing between the four signal callers and a group of young receivers- Josh Sims, Daniel Adu, Jake Brown and Kyndel Dean- as these wide outs have been available most of camp. A youthful but sizeable offensive line continues to improve and cross-train positions along the front.
The spring game is Saturday April 14th at 1pm. Admission is free; the game can be heard in Harrisonburg on 101.3 FM/ 1360 AM WHBG.
