Are you curious about which James Madison University (JMU) football players shone the brightest in the 2024 season? This article highlights the 13 Dukes who earned All-Sun Belt Conference honors, with a special focus on the First Team selections. Discover their key stats, contributions, and what made them stand out on the field. At CAUHOI2025.UK.COM, we deliver reliable sports insights and updates. Learn about top performers, all-conference selections, and football accolades.
1. JMU Dominates 2024 All-Sun Belt Conference Football Team
James Madison University (JMU) made a significant impact on the 2024 All-Sun Belt Conference Football Team, securing a total of 13 selections. This recognition, determined by votes from the league’s 14 head coaches and media members, highlights the exceptional talent and performance within the Dukes’ football program.
1.1. Four Dukes Named to the First Team
Four outstanding JMU players earned First Team All-Sun Belt honors, showcasing their dominance in their respective positions:
- Pat McMurtrie (Offensive Line): A stalwart on the offensive line.
- Cole Potts (Offensive Line): Anchored the offensive line with consistent performance.
- Eric O’Neill (Defensive Line): A force to be reckoned with in pass rushing.
- Terrence Spence (Cornerback): A ball-hawking defensive back with exceptional skills.
These First Team selections represent the pinnacle of achievement within the Sun Belt Conference and underscore the high caliber of JMU’s football program.
1.2. Second Team Honorees: Defensive Standouts
The All-Sun Belt Second Team featured three more Dukes, primarily from the defensive side of the ball:
- Khairi Manns (Defensive Line): Consistently disrupted opposing offenses.
- Jacob Dobbs (Linebacker): Led the team in tackles despite missing games.
- Jacob Thomas (Safety): A key contributor in the secondary.
These players demonstrated consistent excellence throughout the season, solidifying JMU’s strong defensive presence.
1.3. Third Team and Honorable Mentions: Recognizing Depth
Rounding out the accolades were players named to the Third Team and Honorable Mention lists:
- Ryan Hanson (Punter): Earned All-Sun Belt recognition for the third time in his career.
- Cam Ross (Kick Returner): A dynamic return specialist with game-changing speed.
- Alonza Barnett III (Quarterback): Demonstrated versatility with both passing and rushing skills.
- Immanuel Bush (Defensive Line): A consistent presence on the defensive line.
- Omarion Dollison (Wide Receiver): A deep-threat receiver with impressive yardage.
- Taylor Thompson (Tight End): A reliable target with multiple touchdown receptions.
These selections highlight the depth and talent across the JMU football roster, showcasing contributions from various positions.
2. First Team Standouts: Detailed Performance Analysis
Let’s delve deeper into the performances of the four JMU players who earned First Team All-Sun Belt honors, examining their key statistics and contributions to the team’s success.
2.1. Pat McMurtrie: Anchoring the Offensive Line
Pat McMurtrie, an offensive lineman, played a crucial role in JMU’s offensive success. According to JMUSports.com, starting all 12 games at right tackle, McMurtrie didn’t allow any sacks. His performance earned him the top rating among tackles in the Sun Belt during the regular season.
2.2. Cole Potts: A Record-Breaking Lineman
Cole Potts, also an offensive lineman, made his mark by breaking the JMU all-time starts record, reaching a total of 55 games. He started all 12 games at right guard, contributing to the team’s offensive line stability. Together, McMurtrie and Potts helped JMU achieve impressive offensive stats. The team ranked fifth in the Sun Belt in total offense (408.8 yards per game) and rushing offense (189.8 yards per game). JMU had six games with over 200 rushing yards in 2024, compared to just two in the previous season. This improvement underscores the effectiveness of McMurtrie and Potts in creating opportunities for the running game.
2.3. Eric O’Neill: A Dominant Pass Rusher
Eric O'Neill Defensive Line
Eric O’Neill established himself as one of the nation’s premier pass rushers. His statistics speak volumes about his impact on the defensive end:
- Ranked fifth in the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) with 12.0 sacks.
- Ranked sixth in the FBS with 17.5 tackles for loss.
- Recorded 49 total tackles.
- Intercepted one pass (resulting in a pick-six).
- Broke up three passes.
- Led the team with 15 quarterback hurries.
Over the final five games of the season, O’Neill recorded 11.0 tackles for loss and 9.0 sacks, demonstrating his ability to elevate his performance in critical moments. His disruptive presence consistently put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, making him a key component of JMU’s defense.
2.4. Terrence Spence: A Ball-Hawking Cornerback
Terrence Spence, a standout cornerback, earned First Team honors after an exceptional season marked by interceptions and game-changing plays. His accomplishments include:
- Ranking third nationally and tied for the Sun Belt lead with five interceptions.
- Ranking fourth in the FBS and co-leading the SBC with two blocked kicks.
- Tallying 34 total tackles.
- Forcing one fumble.
Spence’s ability to create turnovers and disrupt passing plays made him a valuable asset to JMU’s defense. He showcased his versatility with a blocked punt against North Carolina and averaged 20.0 yards per interception return. His knack for making big plays in crucial situations solidified his reputation as one of the top cornerbacks in the conference.
3. Second Team All-Sun Belt Selections: Defensive Pillars
The Second Team All-Sun Belt selections further underscore JMU’s defensive prowess. Let’s examine the contributions of Khairi Manns, Jacob Dobbs, and Jacob Thomas.
3.1. Khairi Manns: Disruptive Force on the Defensive Line
Khairi Manns consistently made his presence felt in opposing backfields, amassing impressive statistics:
- 63 total tackles
- 11.5 tackles for loss
- 8.0 sacks
- One fumble recovery
- Two pass breakups
- Eight quarterback hurries
Manns ranked fourth in the Sun Belt in sacks and fifth in tackles for loss, highlighting his ability to disrupt plays and pressure quarterbacks. He recorded multiple tackles for loss in three games and multiple sacks in two games, demonstrating his consistency and impact on the defensive line.
3.2. Jacob Dobbs: Tackling Machine at Linebacker
Jacob Dobbs Linebacker
Jacob Dobbs led the Dukes in tackles despite starting in just eight games, showcasing his exceptional instincts and tackling ability. His key statistics include:
- 73 total tackles (JMU-best)
- 3.5 tackles for loss
- 3.0 sacks
- Two fumble recoveries
Dobbs ranked 16th nationally and second in the Sun Belt in fumble recoveries, highlighting his awareness and ability to capitalize on opportunities. He recorded double-digit tackles in three games, including 17 at Georgia Southern, demonstrating his ability to dominate the field.
3.3. Jacob Thomas: Versatile Safety in the Secondary
Jacob Thomas proved to be a versatile and impactful player in the secondary, contributing both in coverage and run support. His key statistics include:
- 69 total tackles
- 7.0 tackles for loss
- 0.5 sacks
- Three interceptions
- Three pass breakups
Thomas ranked seventh in the SBC in total interceptions, showcasing his ball-hawking skills and ability to create turnovers. He recorded six or more tackles in seven games and at least one tackle for loss in four games, demonstrating his consistent contribution to the defense.
4. Third Team and Honorable Mentions: Valuable Contributors
While not earning First or Second Team honors, the Third Team and Honorable Mention selections played significant roles in JMU’s success.
4.1. Ryan Hanson: Consistent Punter with a Strong Leg
Ryan Hanson earned All-Sun Belt recognition for the third time in his career, showcasing his consistency and reliability as a punter. His statistics include:
- 46 punts
- 42.9 yards per punt average
- Longest punt of 66 yards
- 15 punts inside the 20-yard line
- Eight punts over 50 yards
Hanson’s ability to consistently deliver accurate and long punts helped JMU control field position and contributed to the team’s overall success.
4.2. Cam Ross: Dynamic Kick Returner with Game-Breaking Speed
Cam Ross emerged as a dynamic kick returner, injecting excitement and explosiveness into JMU’s special teams. His key statistics include:
- 28.7 yards per kickoff return average
- 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown versus Southern Miss
Ross ranked third nationally and second in the Sun Belt in kick return average, highlighting his ability to generate significant yardage and create scoring opportunities. His electrifying returns provided a spark for the team and kept opponents on edge.
4.3. Alonza Barnett III: Dual-Threat Quarterback with Impressive Numbers
Alonza Barnett III, a midseason watch list selection for the Maxwell Award and Davey O’Brien National QB Award, showcased his talent as a dual-threat quarterback. His statistics include:
- 3,040 total yards
- 33 touchdowns
- 213 of 355 passing for 2,598 yards and 26 touchdowns
- 442 rushing yards with seven rushing touchdowns
Barnett ranked 11th nationally in point responsibility and 12th in passing touchdowns, both of which were second in the SBC. His ability to both pass and run made him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses and a key component of JMU’s offense.
4.4. Immanuel Bush: Solid Defensive Lineman in the Trenches
Immanuel Bush started every game in the interior, providing a consistent presence on the defensive line. His statistics include:
- 32 total tackles
- 4.0 tackles for loss
- 1.5 sacks
- One fumble recovery
- One interception
- One pass breakup
- Three quarterback hurries
Bush’s consistent performance and ability to disrupt plays made him a valuable asset to JMU’s defensive front.
4.5. Omarion Dollison: Deep-Threat Receiver with Big-Play Ability
Omarion Dollison Wide Receiver
Omarion Dollison established himself as one of the Sun Belt’s top deep threats, stretching defenses and creating opportunities for the offense. His statistics include:
- 31 catches for 551 receiving yards
- Six touchdowns
- 17.77 yards per reception (ranked third in the Sun Belt and 30th nationally)
Dollison’s ability to make big plays downfield added a dynamic element to JMU’s passing game and made him a constant threat to score.
4.6. Taylor Thompson: Reliable Tight End with Red-Zone Presence
Taylor Thompson emerged as one of the Sun Belt’s best tight ends, providing a reliable target in the passing game and a valuable presence in the red zone. His statistics include:
- 32 receptions for 427 receiving yards
- Five touchdowns (tied for second in the Sun Belt among tight ends)
Thompson’s ability to catch passes in traffic and score touchdowns made him a key component of JMU’s offense.
5. The Importance of All-Conference Selections
Being named to an All-Conference team is a significant achievement for any student-athlete. It represents recognition from coaches and media members for outstanding performance and contribution to their team. These accolades can boost a player’s confidence, attract attention from professional scouts, and enhance their overall athletic resume. For universities, having multiple players selected to All-Conference teams reflects the strength and depth of their athletic programs. It can also enhance the university’s reputation and attract talented recruits in the future.
6. How to Stay Updated on College Football News
Staying informed about college football news is easier than ever with numerous resources available:
- Official University Websites: University athletic websites (like JMUSports.com) are the primary source for team news, schedules, and player information.
- Sports News Websites: Major sports news outlets such as ESPN, CBS Sports, and Fox Sports provide comprehensive coverage of college football.
- Social Media: Following teams, players, and sports journalists on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook can provide real-time updates and insights.
- Podcasts: Many podcasts dedicated to college football offer in-depth analysis and commentary on the latest news and developments.
- CAUHOI2025.UK.COM: For reliable sports insights and updates, visit our website.
By utilizing these resources, fans can stay up-to-date on all the latest happenings in the world of college football.
7. Understanding Football Terminology
To fully appreciate college football, it’s helpful to understand some common terminology:
- Sack: When the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage.
- Tackle for Loss (TFL): When a player is tackled behind the line of scrimmage, resulting in a loss of yardage.
- Interception: When a defensive player catches a pass intended for an offensive player.
- Pick-Six: An interception that is returned for a touchdown.
- Pass Breakup: When a defensive player deflects a pass, preventing the completion.
- Quarterback Hurry: When a defensive player pressures the quarterback, forcing them to rush their throw.
- Fumble Recovery: When a player recovers a loose ball that has been fumbled by an offensive player.
- Touchback: When a kick or punt goes into the end zone and is downed by the receiving team, resulting in the ball being placed at the 25-yard line.
8. The Role of Coaches and Media in All-Conference Selections
The All-Conference selections are determined through a voting process involving the league’s head coaches and media members. Coaches evaluate players based on their performance, consistency, and impact on the team. Media members provide an objective perspective, considering statistics, game highlights, and overall contribution to the conference. This collaborative approach ensures that the most deserving players are recognized for their achievements.
9. The Future of JMU Football
With a strong core of talented players and dedicated coaching staff, the future looks bright for JMU football. The All-Sun Belt selections demonstrate the program’s commitment to excellence and its ability to develop top-tier talent. As the team continues to grow and evolve, fans can expect exciting seasons and continued success on the field.
10. How Can CAUHOI2025.UK.COM Help You?
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FAQ: All-Sun Belt Conference Football Team
- What is the All-Sun Belt Conference Football Team?
It’s a selection of the best players in the Sun Belt Conference, chosen by coaches and media. - How are players selected for the All-Sun Belt Team?
Through a voting process by the league’s head coaches and media members. - How many JMU players were selected for the 2024 All-Sun Belt Team?
A total of 13 James Madison University student-athletes were selected. - Who were the First Team selections from JMU?
Pat McMurtrie, Cole Potts, Eric O’Neill, and Terrence Spence. - What positions did the First Team selections play?
Offensive Line, Offensive Line, Defensive Line, and Cornerback. - What is a “sack” in football?
When the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage. - What is a “pick-six”?
An interception that is returned for a touchdown. - How can I stay updated on college football news?
Check official university websites, sports news outlets, and social media. - Where can I find reliable answers to my questions?
Visit CAUHOI2025.UK.COM for trustworthy information. - How does CauHoi2025.UK.COM ensure information is accurate?
By providing clear, concise, and well-researched answers.
