JMU FOOTBALL HAS FIVE IN NFL TO START 2010 SEASON

HARRISONBURG, Va., Sept. 6, 2010 - James Madison has had much to be proud of with its football program and it shows, with five former Dukes in the National Football League to start the 2010 season.

Of last year's players, four are in the NFL to start the year. Defensive end turned linebacker Arthur Moats was drafted in the sixth round by the Buffalo Bills and is on the active roster to start the 2010 season. Also drafted in the sixth round last year was wide receiver/kick returner Scotty McGee, who made the cut with the team that drafted him - the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Two free agents that went to camp with NFL teams in the 2010 offseason have been signed to the practice squads for their respective teams, as tight end Mike Caussin is with Jacksonville and offensive lineman Dorian Brooks was re-signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The fifth Duke has continued to improve his stock over the years, as Akeem Jordan is now the starting strong side linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, earning the job in the 2010 preseason camp. In 2009, Jordan had his best professional season, playing in 12 games, 10 of them starts, and recording 82 total tackles (third on the team), 47 of them solo, with 1.0 sacks and two interceptions. In his three-year career, Jordan has started 17 of the 37 games he has played in with 154 total tackles (102 solos), 1.0 sacks, two interceptions and 55 special teams tackles.

"That is outstanding for that group and I am proud of what they are accomplishing," JMU Head Coach Mickey Matthews said. "I think it also speaks volumes to two things about our program. First, that we are recruiting solid student-athletes to Harrisonburg. Secondly, it also shows that our coaching staff does a great job developing talent on the field. One of those newcomers to the NFL was a walk-on while another was only on partial scholarship, so it really demonstrates what hard work and solid coaching can do for a young man. We are thrilled for them and look forward to following them this season and in the future."