JMU Selected as Favorite in CAA, Robinson Headlines Preseason All-CAA Team

BALTIMORE, Md. – Winners of three straight conference championships, James Madison was predicted to win the Colonial Athletic Association Football title in 2018, and senior cornerback Rashad Robinson was voted the league's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, as announced at CAA Football Media Day on Tuesday morning at M&T Bank Stadium.

The Dukes received 21 of 24 first-place votes, as they were followed by No. 2 New Hampshire (two 1st-place votes), No. 3 Delaware, No. 4 Stony Brook and No. 5 Elon (one 1st-place vote).

JMU led the conference for the second straight year with six Preseason All-CAA selections as Robinson was joined on the list by senior running back Marcus Marshall, redshirt junior offensive lineman Jahee Jackson, redshirt senior defensive lineman Darrious Carter, redshirt senior cornerback Jimmy Moreland and sophomore punter Harry O'Kelly.

Both the predicted order of finish and Preseason All-CAA Team were selected in a vote by the league's 12 head coaches and sports information directors.

The Dukes finished the 2017 season with a 14-1 overall record, advancing the NCAA Division I National Championship game for the second straight year. They achieved the program's first-ever undefeated and untied regular season, going 11-0 to earn the top seed for the FCS Playoffs. JMU claimed its third straight CAA title and the second outright championship in a row. The Dukes became the CAA's first team to ever go 8-0 in conference play in back-to-back years.

JMU had won a program and CAA-record 26 straight games between the 2016 and 2017 seasons, which ranks second all-time in FCS history. The Dukes led the country in scoring defense, holding teams to just 11.1 points per game. They also paced the FCS in interceptions (31), takeaways (44) and team pass efficiency defense (83.12 rating).

Robinson earned All-America accolades from four of six organizations last season as a junior, which included AFCA FCS First Team All-America honors. The First Team All-CAA corner had 51 total tackles (38 solo), to go with 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, seven interceptions, one pick-six and nine pass breakups. He ranked third both nationally and in the CAA in interceptions.

Marshall led the Dukes in rushing, with 143 carries for 850 yards and a CAA-best 11 touchdowns. The VaSID First Team All-State honoree averaged 5.9 yards per rush, which ranked third in the conference. Marshall tallied three 100-yard rushing performances last season as a junior, including a career-high 203 yards and two scores in the FCS semifinal win against South Dakota State.

Jackson emerged as a starter at right tackle last year, making 13 starts. He was a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American and earned Second Team All-CAA laurels. He was part of an offensive line that helped JMU lead the CAA and rank 15th nationally in scoring (34.4). JMU was also third in first downs (325), ninth in completion percentage (64.9), 25th in rushing (194.3) and 30th in total offense (419.0).

Carter was a Third Team All-CAA selection last season after ranking as one of the league leaders in tackles for loss and sacks. He tallied 54 total tackles (33 solo), to go with 14.0 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, a pass breakup and eight hurries. Carter ranked third in the CAA in both fumble recoveries and tackles for loss and tied for fourth in sacks.

Moreland was a First Team All-CAA honoree last season. He accrued 68 total tackles (44 solo), to go with 2.5 tackles for loss, a half sack, eight interceptions, two fumble recoveries and 14 pass breakups. Moreland ranked second in the FCS in interceptions and fifth in passes defended per game (1.5). He matched the program record with a career-high three interceptions in the FCS semifinal victory.

O'Kelly made the HERO Sports Freshman All-America Team and was a Second Team All-CAA punter a season ago. Over his 63 punts, he averaged 41.3 yards per punt. He had 25 punts inside the 20 and six over 50 yards with only five touchbacks. O'Kelly ranked second in the CAA in punt average. He booted a season-best 66-yard punt in the FCS semifinals and had a 63-yarder against Maine.

JMU begins fall camp on Friday, Aug. 3 and the 2018 season, presented by CarMax, opens on Saturday, Sept. 1 at NC State. Season tickets, as well as single-game and mini-plan options are on sale now by visiting JMUTickets.com or by calling 540-568-3853.

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