JMU football’s new coaching staff, led by head coach Bob Chesney, has hit the ground running on the recruiting trail early in his tenure. The Dukes have managed to bring in a transfer portal class that is poised to make an immediate impact and help the team compete for a Sun Belt Championship in 2024. Additionally, they have secured a solid 2024 high school class, showing that the program is building for sustained success in the future.
One of the most promising signs for the program is the early verbal commitments in the 2025 high school class, particularly from the state of Florida. Three of the Florida verbal commits stood out in their recent season-opening high school games, demonstrating why Chesney and his staff are eager to bring them to the FBS level next season.
Let’s take a closer look at the performances of a few of JMU’s verbal commits from Florida in Week 1 of their high school season.
Jamarice Wilder, a running back who was previously committed to Colorado, announced his decision to join the Dukes in late June. In his team’s season opener, Wilder showcased his talent by rushing for 145 yards and three touchdowns in a 63-40 victory. With an average of over seven yards per carry, Wilder proved to be a dynamic playmaker on offense. Playing alongside other FBS recruits like four-star wide receiver Winston Watkins Jr., Wilder’s performance highlighted his Power Conference potential.
Jerald James, a defensive end committed to JMU, had an impressive outing in his first game of the season. He recorded eight tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Standing at 6’3, 215 lbs, with a 6’10 wingspan, James possesses the physical attributes of a top-tier defensive end. His performance on the field and the interest he received from programs like Maryland, West Virginia, and SMU solidify his status as a game-changer on defense.
Roy’Marr Thomas, another defensive end commit for JMU, made his presence felt in his team’s season opener with two sacks in a 28-14 victory. While official stats were not available, Thomas confirmed his performance and shared a highlight of one of his sacks on social media. With interest from programs like FAU and USF, Thomas is a valuable addition to the Dukes‘ defense, showcasing his ability to consistently generate sacks and tackles for loss.
The early success of JMU’s recruiting efforts under Coach Chesney’s leadership bodes well for the program’s future. With talented prospects like Wilder, James, and Thomas committing to the Dukes, the team is poised to continue its upward trajectory and compete at a high level in the Sun Belt Conference. As the 2025 recruiting class continues to take shape, JMU football fans have reason to be excited about the program’s potential moving forward.
