Tuesday was one of the sunniest days the JMU Football team has had to practice in all spring, but even while the basking of the sun, there was a roar of “THUNDER” around Bridgeforth Stadium. The “THUNDER” came from the voices of the coaches. As the Dukes enter the final week of spring practice, with the last bit of “install” of the game plan being implemented on both sides of the ball, the tone of practice had a regular season game week feel.
Players from every position were “loudly” reminded of the game plan, or the name of the play, trying to help put them in the right position. An outsider may think at times these coaches don’t see the merit of the players, but that’s to the contrary. There is loads of talent on this team, right now the players available to practice are the younger players who have seen limited to no “game week” practice before. Some of these young players are learning to perform with the consistency that could get them on the field this year. Linebacker Landon Word, D-Lineman Ron’Dell Carter and Cornerback Jimmy Moreland are 3 of the more experienced players on defense, and no surprise have been 3 of the most consistent thus far. Breakout play is still expected from Soph. Defensive Lineman Mike Greene, and Safety Adam Smith.
From the offense, I’ve noted before that Soph. Percy Agyei-Obese has had a lot more ups than downs this spring, mainly because he’s the only back practicing that saw anything close to significant action last year. R-Soph. Eric Kirlew has displayed ability and talent but when the “stable of running backs” is fully stocked again, Kirlew most likely will not be given as much opportunity because of the immense talent ahead of him. This spring could help Kirlew show the coaches he has potential and could help find him a spot somewhere.
Quarterbacks Cole Johnson, and Ben DiNucci, in my opinion, are the 2 QB’s that are emerging ahead of the pack. That’s not to say that Gage Moloney, and Hunter Etheridge haven’t made plays, because they have. From what I’ve seen Johnson has a good arm for the deep, down the field ball, but DiNucci can get it down there also, and may be the better mid-range passer, plus the mobility of former QB Bryan Schor. Johnson has led the first team offense to TD’s on the opening drives of the last 2 scrimmages, showing his time with the Dukes over the last 2 years have helped him develop a chemistry with the offense. Consistent performance over the last few weeks on offense have been turned in by Agyei-Obese, WR Kyndel Dean and several offensive lineman.
Special Teams remains to be a focus, with a primary task of finding depth on those teams. Some of the younger, less experienced players could earn playing time this season on special teams. They have one more practice and a spring game to leave a positive mark for the coaches to evaluate before August.
