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James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
2004 Flashback: Connecting with champion Clint Kent
11/14/2014 10:52:00 AM | Football
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 Clint Kent, who played as a junior cornerback on the title team and also enjoyed a professional career in the Canadian Football League. JMU will formally celebrate the anniversary as part of Champions Weekend at the Nov. 22 Elon game. Tickets are available here.
Previous Flashbacks: Brandon Beach, Rodney McCarter, Leon Steinfeld
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What specific memories do you have from the 2004 season, both in the regular season and the postseason?
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My most specific memory from the 2004 regular season was the punt return by Cortez Thompson for a touchdown against Delaware! My most specific memories from the postseason was the 70-yard interception I had against William & Mary in the semifinals and the interception in the national championship game to seal the victory!
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At what point of the season did you get the feeling that this could build into something special?
Â
During the summer before the 2004 season, I knew we had a special group. We changed our defensive scheme and got a transfer quarterback in by the name of Justin Rascati! Our workouts that year were so intense when defense and offense competed against each other!
Â
What were your thoughts and emotions entering the championship game?
Â
My thought entering the championship game was we have made it this far and we will not lose this game!
Â
Describe the atmosphere of the stadium in Chattanooga as the team took the field.
Â
The atmosphere of the stadium in Chattanooga was amazing despite having problems with the grass!
Â
When during the game did you realize that this team would be the champions?
Â
At the start of the fourth quarter, I knew we were going to win the football game to become champions!
Â
Describe your thoughts and emotions as the offense ran out the final moments on the clock?
Â
The emotions were indescribable, when the offense ran the clock out to win the game. It felt like a dream come true because of all the blood, sweat and tears we put in as a team.
Â
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?
Â
It says a lot about the 2004 team's character and leadership to be able to make history by winning a championship without winning a home game! That year we had depth at every position.
Â
Was the national championship your favorite game from the 2004 season or does another stand out?
Â
The semifinal game against William & Mary was my favorite game from the 2004 season. The game was on ESPN and it was against our rival who had beat us in the regular season. That atmosphere was insane, in which they brought in extra seats and lights!
Â
Aside from just the 2004 season, what are some of your overall favorite JMU Football memories?
Â
My favorite JMU memory was becoming the JMU career interception leader in my last game as a Duke against Towson!Â
Â
How much do you follow the current JMU Football team either by attending games or via JMUSports.com or social media?
Â
I follow the JMU football team through social networks and mainly by my ex-JMU teammates.
Â
How much contact have you maintained with the other championship team players?
Â
We [players from the championship team] have a group message so we chat all day and night! The group message consists of about 10 guys.
Â
How often do you return to campus or when was the last time you returned?
Â
The last time I came to JMU was 2008 when JMU played against Montana.
Â
Does football still play a role is your life? If so, how?
Â
Yes, football does play a role in my life. I just retired from the CFL (Canadian Football League) last year and now I am coaching football at my high school.
Â
What did you first do after graduating from JMU? (personally and/or professionally)
Â
The first thing I did when I graduated from JMU is I went to the Canadian Football League to play for the Montreal Alouettes.
Â
Where do you currently reside?
Â
I currently reside in Macon, Georgia
Â
Previous Flashbacks: Brandon Beach, Rodney McCarter, Leon Steinfeld
Â
What specific memories do you have from the 2004 season, both in the regular season and the postseason?
Â
My most specific memory from the 2004 regular season was the punt return by Cortez Thompson for a touchdown against Delaware! My most specific memories from the postseason was the 70-yard interception I had against William & Mary in the semifinals and the interception in the national championship game to seal the victory!
Â
At what point of the season did you get the feeling that this could build into something special?
Â
During the summer before the 2004 season, I knew we had a special group. We changed our defensive scheme and got a transfer quarterback in by the name of Justin Rascati! Our workouts that year were so intense when defense and offense competed against each other!
Â
What were your thoughts and emotions entering the championship game?
Â
My thought entering the championship game was we have made it this far and we will not lose this game!
Â
Describe the atmosphere of the stadium in Chattanooga as the team took the field.
Â
The atmosphere of the stadium in Chattanooga was amazing despite having problems with the grass!
Â
When during the game did you realize that this team would be the champions?
Â
At the start of the fourth quarter, I knew we were going to win the football game to become champions!
Â
Describe your thoughts and emotions as the offense ran out the final moments on the clock?
Â
The emotions were indescribable, when the offense ran the clock out to win the game. It felt like a dream come true because of all the blood, sweat and tears we put in as a team.
Â
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?
Â
It says a lot about the 2004 team's character and leadership to be able to make history by winning a championship without winning a home game! That year we had depth at every position.
Â
Was the national championship your favorite game from the 2004 season or does another stand out?
Â
The semifinal game against William & Mary was my favorite game from the 2004 season. The game was on ESPN and it was against our rival who had beat us in the regular season. That atmosphere was insane, in which they brought in extra seats and lights!
Â
Aside from just the 2004 season, what are some of your overall favorite JMU Football memories?
Â
My favorite JMU memory was becoming the JMU career interception leader in my last game as a Duke against Towson!Â
Â
How much do you follow the current JMU Football team either by attending games or via JMUSports.com or social media?
Â
I follow the JMU football team through social networks and mainly by my ex-JMU teammates.
Â
How much contact have you maintained with the other championship team players?
Â
We [players from the championship team] have a group message so we chat all day and night! The group message consists of about 10 guys.
Â
How often do you return to campus or when was the last time you returned?
Â
The last time I came to JMU was 2008 when JMU played against Montana.
Â
Does football still play a role is your life? If so, how?
Â
Yes, football does play a role in my life. I just retired from the CFL (Canadian Football League) last year and now I am coaching football at my high school.
Â
What did you first do after graduating from JMU? (personally and/or professionally)
Â
The first thing I did when I graduated from JMU is I went to the Canadian Football League to play for the Montreal Alouettes.
Â
Where do you currently reside?
Â
I currently reside in Macon, Georgia
Â
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