HARRISONBURG – Throughout August training camp, James Madison coaches said the Dukes’ plan was to play a rotation of offensive linemen in its first game at East Carolina.

On Saturday, in addition to its five starters on the offensive front, JMU used two reserves regularly.

Monday during the Colonial Athletic Association coaches teleconference, second-year coach Mike Houston credited the unit for a strong first game.

The team had to replace three offensive line starters from last year’s championship roster.

JMU started seniors Aaron Stinnie and A.J. Bolden at left tackle and left guard respectively, while a trio of sophomores – Mac Patrick, Gerren Butler and Jahee Jackson – started at center, right guard and right tackle. True freshman Liam Fornadel and redshirt freshman Zaire Bethea both earned snaps in backup roles.

“ECU was determined to shutdown our run game,” Houston said. “But I thought that of course with A.J. and Aaron, who are veteran guys, their leadership early on was very helpful.

“But I was very pleased with the way first-time starters Gerren Butler and Jahee Jackson played. I was pleased with the way Liam Fornadel and Zaire Bethea played off the bench and I thought Mac Patrick was steady all night long.”

The Dukes rushed for 422 yards as a team in the win.

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- Senior running back Cardon Johnson had a career-best 265 yards rushing and two touchdowns in the win over East Carolina. He was named CAA Offensive Player of the Week by the league Monday.

- Senior inside linebacker Kyre Hawkins was named CAA Defensive Player of the Week for his 13 tackles and tackle for loss.

- JMU’s defense held East Carolina to only 7 points until the final minute of the game. The Dukes also limited the Pirates to 80 yards rushing. About his defense, Houston said, “I thought our effort was excellent. The things that stood out on film were how physical we were and how hard our kids played … we have guys that are on the same page, so there’s great communication on the field.”

- Two transfer defenders made their JMU debuts Saturday. Linebacker Gus Little (Maryland) had five tackles and defensive lineman Ron’Dell Carter (Rutgers) had two tackles and three quarterback hurries. “I thought Gus played a very solid game,” Houston said. “And I thought that Ron’Dell played extremely hard and extremely physical, and I think he’s just going to be a really solid player for us on the defensive front.”

- Houston said he also was impressed with Virginia transfer wide receiver David Eldridge, who had three catches for 51 yards.

- JMU hosts East Tennessee State on Saturday at 6 p.m. Houston said ETSU will be as well coached any team JMU plays this season. Houston knows both ETSU coach Carl Torbush and offensive coordinator Mike O’Cain.