This is the second iteration of the JMU football roster depth chart projection during the transfer portal cycle. With OT Patrick McMurtry announcing his intent to return and WR Cam Ross entering the portal, the roster is starting to become more clear.
Oh, and the Dukes added two starting-caliber QBs via the portal. Let’s take a look at how the Dukes look on paper as of mid-January.
Attack begins
QB1: Camden Coleman or Matthew Sulka
QB3: JC Evans
RS Potential: Alonza Barnett III
RB1: George Pettaway
RB2: Ayo Adei
RB3: Wayne Knight or Jobi Mallary
WR(X): Landon Ellis
WR2 (X): Dylan Williams or Zaron Collins
WR(Z): Nick DeGennaro
WR2 (Z): Jaylan Sanchez
WR (Slot): Yamil Knight
WR2 (frame): Michael Scott
TE1: Logan Kyle
TE2: Josh Pfeiffer or Lakota Dipre
LT1: Jeremiah Mawali
LT2: Joseph Simmons
LG1: Carter Sweezy
LG2: Josh Toner
C1: Zach Greenberg
C2: Kyle Davis
RG1: Riley Lovell
RG2: Quincy Jenkins
RT1: Patrick McMurtry
RT2: Griffin Hart
Barnett has a serious foot injury that could cause him to miss the entire 2025 season and take a medical redshirt. That would leave the team in the hands of either Coleman or Sulka, with Evans, who had a great season as a freshman, joining the lineup as a reserve. Evans, in particular, should benefit greatly from a year of learning from Sulka. Both players are equally capable as power runners.
The addition of Richmond’s Nick DeGennaro at receiver means the Dukes could potentially start two former Spiders at receiver this fall. It could also make it harder for Zaron Collins and Dylan Williams to get consistent playing time, as Ellis, DeGennaro, Sanchez and Knight will be consuming a large amount of snaps.
On the offensive line, the Dukes’ tackle position has become more defined with the return of McMurtry and the addition of DII standout Jeremiah Mawari. At running back, there aren’t too many surprises. All four play.
starting defense
DE: Xavier Holmes
DE2: Aiden Govaira
DT: Immanuel Bush
DT2: Terry Lockett
DT: Mychal McMullin
DT2: Kel’s Bush
DE: Amal Thomas
DE2: Sahir West
LB: Trent Hendrick
LB2: Trasion dye
LB: Gannon Weathersby
LB2: JT Kouameyao
CB: Chauncey Logan
CB2: Mekhi Rogers
Nickel: DJ Barksdale
Nickel 2: KJ Flow
S: Jacob Thomas
S2: Chase Regan or Antonio McGill
S: Curtis Harris Lopez
S2: Kai Holmes or Tyler Brown
CB: Chants Hurley
CB2: Justin Eaglin
LS: Jack Morley, Logan Ketchum, or Josiah Kennard.
K: Noe Ruelas
P: Lexington Matthews
Cornerback Jamil Conn has switched his commitment to Nebraska since his initial roster projection. This means changing the CB expectations. The Dukes are still recruiting options at corner, the position least likely to solidify on defense, but Chauncey Logan and Justin Eaglin are capable returners.
Holy Cross transfer Curtis Harris-Lopez will be an immediate starter at safety and should pair well with Thomas. William & Mary transfer safety Antonio McGill will be in the mix to rotate in the defensive backfield.
Defensive end Aiden Gobaila, a Notre Dame transfer, will also penetrate our two deep and should compete for time if he fully recovers from his ACL issue. JMU was able to utilize depth along the defensive front, especially at defensive tackle.
Cornerback, defensive end, and defensive tackle appear to be the three positions on the entire roster that need the most transfer help. However, returning players and freshmen could fill the gap. The Dukes’ starting defense looks dynamic on paper.
Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications
