2004 Flashback: Connecting with champion Rodney McCarter

James Madison football is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its 2004 NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) national championship. As part of the celebration, we recently caught up with members of the title squad to reflect on the season and their lives over the last decade. Today we hear from Rodney McCarter, who played as a senior safety on the title team and has stayed in the area as a JMU employee. JMU will formally celebrate the anniversary as part of Champions Weekend at the Nov. 22 Elon game. Tickets are available here.

What specific memories do you have from the 2004 season, both in the regular season and the postseason?

Most of the pre- and postgames speeches were pretty good during the 2004 year. Also all the playoff games were memorable

At what point of the season did you get the feeling that this could build into something special?

After the first quarter of the West Virginia University game, I thought we were going to compete well for the entire year.

What were your thoughts and emotions entering the championship game?

My thought during the Montana game was to focus on tackling their big running backs and not allowing them to pass the ball deep.

Describe the atmosphere of the stadium in Chattanooga as the team took the field.

The stadium was very exciting. The atmosphere gave me the feeling it was more like a home game.

Going into the half, what was your confidence level about the outcome of the game?

We were very confident going into the half. I think we over analyzed them from film and realizing that gave me personally a confidence boost.

When during the game did you realize that this team would be the champions?

I cannot say that I realized it during the game, but once the game was over, it was the best feeling.

What does it mean that your team is still the only team to win a championship without playing a home game? Did the constant road travel impact your performance?

Remaining the only team with this claim is something I am still very proud of. That postseason we went into some of the top teams' homes and left every one defeated for four straight weeks.

Was the national championship your favorite game from the 2004 season or does another stand out?

The championship is high on my list of favorite games, but playing at Virginia Tech, West Virginia University and dressing for the University of New Hampshire and Maine are also some of my favorites.

Aside from just the 2004 season, what are some of your overall favorite JMU Football memories?

Aside from all of the memorable games and practices, I have only good memories of the hotels we stayed in and food we ate during travels throughout the CAA.

Did the championship team have any pregame rituals/traditions? If yes, what were they?

Every game we would listen to Mickey Matthews' pregame speeches and pray to prepare for the games.

Did you have a nickname on the team? If yes, what was it? If not, who had the best one?

My nickname was "Snot Rocket." I got this name because the team used to say when I hit players I looked like a rocket and I caused snot to shoot out of the opposing player's nose. Although mine was a great nickname, Maurice Fenner " Juice" was probably the best.

How much do you follow the current JMU Football team either by attending games or via JMUSports.com or social media?

I have been following since the day I stopped playing. My brother [Rockeed] additionally attended and played football at JMU so I religiously followed during his years. I currently work at JMU so I frequently receive updates about not only the football program, but also all JMU sports.

Do you have any affiliation or connection with the current football student-athletes?

I try to keep current players in my view and reach out to them when I see them on campus. In speaking to them, I like to check in with them and make sure they are staying on a good path.

Does football still play a role is your life? If so, how?

Not directly, but it has continue to play a role in my life. It has brought me a vast amount of friendships and associations that I would not have without it. Football opened doors for me and led me to where I am at today.

What did you first do after graduating from JMU? (personally and/or professionally)

Following graduation, I began to work for the James Madison University Police Department.

What are your current professional endeavors?

I have remained within the police force of James Madison University.

Where do you currently reside?

I currently reside in Harrisonburg with my wife and four daughters.

How much did your experiences with JMU Football shape the last 10 years of your life?

My JMU football experience changed my life. My brother followed in my footsteps and played at JMU. I had the opportunity to watch every home game he played. Additionally, JMU is where I met my wife.

What do you like to do with your time outside of work/obligations?

Outside of my job I enjoy watching and spending time with my girls, seeing movies with my wife, playing flag football and watching multiple NFL games.

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