HARRISONBURG – Bob Trott said something that made a lot of sense following James Madison’s practice on Tuesday.

“We’re trying to have a position battle at every position,” Trott, who enters his second season as the Dukes’ defensive coordinator, said.

JMU brings back multi-year starters and veterans such as senior defensive end Andrew Anrkah and senior safety Raven Greene. At the same time, an infusion of newcomers like Rutgers transfer defensive end Ron’Dell Carter, Maryland transfer linebacker Gus Little and Virginia transfer linebacker Landan Word, were brought in to strengthen the overall talent of the roster.

Trott said at this point in camp JMU is giving all of its defenders reps during the team periods, but as the start of the season nears, the top players would earn more snaps than the second- and third-team athletes.

“It’s funny, when you bring people in, the other players you already have seem to get better too,” Trott said. “The more good player you bring in, the better you’re going to be because it makes everyone better.”

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- Through a week of August training camp, JMU has used the same rotation across its defensive front. From left to right, Darrious Carter, Simeyon Robinson, Cornell Urquhart and Andrew Ankrah have taken first-team reps, while Ron’Dell Carter, Adeeb Atariwa, Rondre Knowles-Tener and David Ezeagwu have worked with the second team.

- Ron’Dell Carter said he thinks the defensive line, “has the potential to be something great,” but that it would only happen if the unit continues to work well in practice.

- Carter said he’s roommates with Darrious Carter, who has helped him learn the defense. “Anything I need help on, he’s always eager to help me and is always asking me if I need anything, so Darrious is a big part of it,” Ron’Dell said.

- Trott said he likes the unit’s depth at defensive line, middle linebacker and cornerback, but that a defense can never have enough depth. Trott said it’s easy to lose depth quickly, so he wants to play more players this season to keep everyone on the field fresh.

- Here’s a quick video of all the middle linebackers from senior Kyre Hawkins to redshirt freshman and Harrisonburg High School alum Devin Medley getting through a drill with position coach Byron Thweatt:

- At safety, Greene and senior Jordan Brown are established, but behind them JMU is searching for a third safety to be ready to play. Trott said he’s got three or four young safeties including D’Angelo Amos, Reggie Collins and Adam Smith vying for that job.

- Ron’Dell’s brother and JMU junior outside linebacker Robert Carter Jr. said the defense is getting a lot better through one week of practice. He said he’s also taking reps on all four major special teams units. Carter Jr. was named to the preseason All-Colonial Athletic Association defensive squad as a specialist.