Carlo Bianchini (2016) - JMU Athletics Hall of Fame - James Madison University Athletics

Carlo Bianchini

Induction:
2016
Class:
1989

The first offensive lineman to be selected to James Madison's Hall of Fame, Carlo Bianchini was a two-time All-American and offensive line leader for the Dukes from 1984 to 1987. Bianchini was a three-year letterman and was voted singular team captain in his senior season at JMU. He played under coaches Challace McMillin (1984) and Joe Purzycki (1985-1987).

Bianchini helped to lead JMU's run-oriented, winged-T offense to an average 24.6 points, 365.3 yards overall and 261.6 yards rushing per game during the 1987 season. The previous season saw similar averages of 27.2 points, 385.5 yards overall and 251.9 yards rushing per game.

Following a 9-3 campaign in Bianchini's senior season, the Dukes advanced for the first time to the 1987 NCAA I-AA playoffs. The 1987 team defeated in-state rivals Richmond, VMI and William and Mary during the same season for the first time before receiving an at-large NCAA bid as an independent.

Bianchini was an Associated Press (AP) and American Football Coaches Association All-American in 1987 as well as an honorable mention AP in 1986. He was also named to the Roanoke Times & World Report and VaSID All-State First Teams in 1986 and 1987. He received JMU's Bob Yetser Leadership Award as a senior.