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How will James Madison Football fare in its first season in FBS?

By Dante Pryor

HARRISONBURG, VA - May 02: Jawon Hamilton #7 of the James Madison Dukes carries the ball against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks during the first half of the NCAA Division I FCS Football Championship Quarterfinal game at Bridgeforth Stadium on May 2, 2021 in Harrisonburg, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
HARRISONBURG, VA - May 02: Jawon Hamilton #7 of the James Madison Dukes carries the ball against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks during the first half of the NCAA Division I FCS Football Championship Quarterfinal game at Bridgeforth Stadium on May 2, 2021 in Harrisonburg, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Delaware’s Andrew Pawlowski (42) pulls down James Madison’s Solomon Vanhorse in the second quarter at Delaware Stadium Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.3. The Dukes were one of the most prolific offenses in the FCS last season.
Delaware’s Andrew Pawlowski (42) pulls down James Madison’s Solomon Vanhorse in the second quarter at Delaware Stadium Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.3. The Dukes were one of the most prolific offenses in the FCS last season. /

James Madison football was one of the most prolific offenses in FCS last season, scoring 38.29 points per game. The Dukes were balanced, boasting a potent running and passing game. Last season quarterback Cole Johnson was CAA offensive player of the year, throwing for 3,779 yards and 41 touchdowns.  Latrele Palmer led the Dukes in rushing with 900-plus yards last season.

The wide receivers were dynamic for James Madison last season as well. Antwane Wells, Jr. and Kris Thornton each had 83 receptions. Wells had 1,250 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, while Thornton had 1,097 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Wells transferred to South Carolina, leaving Thornton as the Dukes’ top receiver.

In addition to losing Wells, the Dukes have to find another quarterback. Head coach Curt Cignetti hopes Colorado State transfer Todd Centeio is the answer to a quarterback room lacking depth.

They do add Pitt transfer AJ Davis to the backfield. The offensive line is the key to James Madison’s offense, which returns four starters. They have to improve their pass protection but will have an immediate impact on the Sun Belt.

Overall, this is an offense that embodies Sun Belt football. They are solid in the trenches with an excellent running back and a dynamic playmaker at wide receiver.

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