A key position for JMU football during back to back national championship appearance seasons has been the offensive line. The Dukes suffered key injuries on the line last year, which forced some younger players into a more active role. This year’s offensive line is young, but has nice size. One mission this spring for the guys up front is cross-training from position to position. Coach Mike Houston says his young group up front is absorbing the mental side of knowing more than one position up front pretty well.

Coach goes on to say that the goal is to have the best five at any given time on the offensive line, so that might require a guy sliding over a spot.

Junior Mac Patrick has anchored the line this spring from the center position, but is also learning other spots on the line as well. Red-shirt sophomore Zaire Bethea (6’3”, 300lbs.), and sophomore Liam Fornadel (6’4”, 309lbs.) picked up significant playing time last year and are growing in their confidence so far this spring. Red-shirt junior Jahee Jackson will also bring key experience into the 2018 season. Red-shirt freshman Jake Glavin (6’2”, 301lbs.) is getting quality work with the first team this spring, which could be beneficial come September first at NC State.

The Dukes are hoping to have healthy versions of red-shirt junior Gerren Butler (6’2”, 315lbs.), and red-shirt junior Tyree Chavious (6’4”, 314lbs.) this season. Chavious missed all of last year, while Butler missed several games late in the year.
Most veteran offensive lineman for JMU are seeing their third offensive line coach in many seasons, with Coach Steve Shankweiler bringing his many years of coaching experience to Bridgeforth Stadium this season. The transition seems to be going well according to a few of the lineman.

Spring practice will continue for the next two weeks, and will conclude with the spring game on April 14th at 1pm. Admission is free. The game will be broadcast on ESPN radio Harrsionburg, 101.3 FM/ 1360 AM, WHBG.