HARRISONBURG – Slated to be in a position battle for a starting role this preseason, James Madison offensive lineman Tyree Chavious won’t be able to compete for the right tackle job.
On the first day of practice in Harrisonburg, second-year Dukes coach Mike Houston said Chavious tore his Achilles about two weeks ago and is out for the season.
Chavious, who started three games during JMU’s postseason run last year, has already undergone a successful surgery to repair the Achilles.
“It’s a tough break for him,” Houston said. “But we’re looking at six to eight months of rehab and recovery, and we’re hoping to get him back in time for spring practice.”
With Chavious out, sophomore Jahee Jackson will take first-team reps at the position. The Dukes also added Maryland offensive line transfer EJ Donahue to the roster, the school's SID Chris Brooks said, which should help the unit. Out of Linganore High School (Frederick, Md.), Donahue was a Rivals.com three-star prospect and had offers from Florida State, Old Dominion, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
And for more from Wednesday's practice, here's today's notes:
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- Houston said for Day 1, he thought the team was organized and sharp, particularly with throwing and catching the ball. He added coaches and players were on the same page, which is product of he and his staff entering their second season at the school.
- With an older and more experienced team than he had last year, Houston said he doesn’t feel like he has to set the tone of practice this time around. He said there are players that have taken the job of setting the tone, and that the team understands how practice should look.
- Some positive news for JMU’s offensive line is that senior left tackle Aaron Stinnie did practice after missing most of the spring with an injury. Houston said the staff would ease Stinnie in, but that he is excited to have his All-American tackle back.
- Also after missing some action during the spring, senior safety Raven Greene has returned and is practicing at full speed.
- Greene said defensive coordinator Bob Trott wants him to take more of a leadership role this season. The preseason All-Colonial Athletic Association choice said he’s tried to do more teaching, especially since the safeties are relatively young aside from him and fellow senior Jordan Brown.
- Greene added he thought the competition for a third safety, one who could give him or Brown a breather when they need it, would be strong throughout camp. Adam Smith, D’Angelo Amos, Reggie Collins and Grant Westbrook are all involved.
- Junior cornerback Rashad Robinson also spoke about returning from injury. He tore his MCL during the week leading up to JMU’s second-round playoff game against New Hampshire last season. Robinson practiced with a brace on his knee for a few weeks in the spring, but wasn’t completely comfortable at that time, he said.
- On Wednesday, Robinson said since the injury occurred late last season, he never felt pressure to rush back. Robinson said by the start of summer, he was completely healthy and at full speed.
- Senior wide receiver John Miller said one of his goals is to play every snap this season. The last few seasons, he’s made important catches, but on the depth chart has been behind older receivers like Rashard Davis.
- Miller said in preparation for this camp and this season, he’s tried to take better care of his body by drinking more water, eating better, stretching more and hopping in the ice tub more frequently. The toughest part for him has been trying to cut down on fried foods, he said.
