#8 James Madison FCS Football 2020 Preview
August 22, 2020 · Joel Welser
James Madison Dukes
Overall Rank: #8
#2 CAA
Once again James Madison dominated the CAA. Like their two previous undefeated CAA seasons in 2016 and 2017, the Dukes reached the national championship game again in 2019. Once again the Dukes lost to North Dakota State, but obviously getting that far is still a very good season. Heading into the spring of 2021 though, the Dukes should get a little more competition in CAA play, especially while they break in a new quarterback.
2019 Record: 14-2, 8-0
2019 Postseason: FCS Playoffs
Coach: Curt Cignetti (14-2 at James Madison, 81-28 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Shane Montgomery
Defensive Coordinator: Corey Hetherman
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: Percy Agyei-Obese, RB, 1,216 yards
Passing: Cole Johnson, QB, 118 yards
Receiving: Jake Brown, WR, 321 yards
Tackles: Wayne Davis, S, 62
Sacks: Mike Greene, DL, 7.5
Interceptions: 3 tied with 1
Other Key Returnees: RB Jawon Hamilton, RB Latrele Palmer, WR Kyndel Dean, OL Liam Fornadel, OL Truvell Wilson, CB Taurus Carroll, K Ethan Ratke
Key Losses: QB Ben DiNucci, WR Brandon Polk, WR Riley Stapleton, TE Dylan Stapleton, OL Mac Patrick, LB Dimitri Holloway, DL John Daka, S Adam Smith, DL Ron’Dell Carter, CB Rashad Robinson, S D’Angelo Amos, LB Landan Word
Projected Postseason: FCS Playoffs
2019 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 242.9 (10th in nation, 1st in conference)
Passing Offense: 222.9 (57, 7)
Total Offense: 465.8 (10, 1)
Scoring Offense: 40.0 (3, 1)
Rushing Defense: 74.8 (3, 1)
Pass Defense: 195.4 (27, 2)
Total Defense: 270.2 (1, 1)
Scoring Defense: 15.7 (3, 1)
Turnover Margin: 0.63 (22, 2)
Sacks: 2.94 (12, 1)
Sacks Allowed: 1.75 (40, 4)
Madness 2020 Recruit Rankings:
| Rank | Name | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | High School | Sport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | Tyler Stephens | OL | NA | NA | Virginia Beach, VA | FCS Football |
| 33 | Antonio Webb | DB | NA | NA | Norfolk, VA | FCS Football |
| 73 | Tyler Negron | DL | NA | NA | Nokesville, VA | FCS Football |
| 97 | Cole Potts | OL | NA | NA | Columbus, OH | FCS Football |
| 104 | Kaelon Black | RB | NA | NA | Virginia Beach, VA | FCS Football |
| 150 | Sammy Malignaggi | DB | NA | NA | Cambridge, MA | FCS Football |
| 169 | Tyshawn Wyatt | OL | NA | NA | Richmond, VA | FCS Football |
| 213 | Mikail Kamara | DL | NA | NA | Ashburn, VA | FCS Football |
| 265 | Kyle Adams | QB | NA | NA | West Lafayette, IN | FCS Football |
