A Closer Look At JMU's Early Signees

HARRSIONBURG - James Madison University and coach Mike Houston signed 13 players to letters of intent on Wednesday as part of the early signing period.

Here's a closer look at the 13 signees.

A two-star and 5.4-rated prospect by Rivals, Brown has stayed true to JMU since making a verbal commitment in August after visiting for a camp over the summer. He had other offers from Campbell and South Dakota, but also received interest from schools at the FBS level.

He will play safety at JMU after a year at The Peddie School in New Jersey after spending his high school career at St. John Vianney. A former Villanova commitment, JMU likes his size, speed and ball skills.

Currence racked up 76 tackles and four interceptions in his senior season, showing he fits the mold of JMU’s current cornerbacks that can both defend against the pass and make tackles. He will enroll in time for spring practice.

Recruited by JMU offensive line coach Bryan Stinespring, Drew picked the Dukes from a final five that also included FBS programs Coastal Carolina, Marshall, Old Dominion and Virginia. He starred as a quarterback and defensive back for Smithfield.

JMU hit Hermitage – the same school that produced current Dukes Rashad Robinson and John Kinney – to land Jackson. The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder will play middle linebacker.

To bolster its offensive line depth, JMU beat out six schools including fellow CAA members New Hampshire and Villanova to land the 6-5, 300-pound tackle.

A high school quarterback, Mann will transition to play safety in college. JMU coaches view him similarly to current starting safety Jordan Brown, who also transitioned from signal-caller to defensive back in college.

Another target of JMU offensive line coach Bryan Stinespring, Moran selected the Dukes over nine other scholarship offers from FBS schools. As JMU continues to strengthen its front, the 6-foot-6, 300-pounder helps.

The Dukes see Painter as a player who could have signed as either a tight end or defensive end. But as the program likes to use multiple tight ends, Painter fits an in-line player at the position. Painter is also the son of a college assistant as his father is the offensive line coach at Division III Lebanon Valley College.

Not even an offer from Virginia could deter Ravenel from sticking with JMU. The younger brother of former Dukes star receiver, Brandon Ravenel, Devin will also play receiver.

The Dukes had to out-recruit FBS schools Buffalo, Coastal Carolina, Marshall and Temple for Schroeder’s services. The offensive guard will join an already deep position group of interior offensive linemen.

The former UVA linebacker, Terrell, spent this past fall at Garden City Community College in in Kansas. He’ll reunite with former Cavs teammates David Eldridge and Landan Word at JMU. Terrell will enroll early and is expected to compete for a starting job.

Wise can kick field goals, kick off and even punt, which is valued by JMU. As a scholarship specialist, it’s vital to at least do two of the three well.