JMU's Thornton & Walker Named PFN Midseason All-Americans

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison wide receiver Kris Thornton and linebacker Jailin Walker were both selected as Honorable Mention Midseason All-Americans by the Pro Football Network, the organization announced this week.

Thornton and Walker are the first two JMU players to ever receive FBS midseason All-American nods, as the Dukes are in their first year transitioning into the subdivision.

JMU was one of nine Sun Belt Conference schools to garner multiple FBS midseason All-Americans from various media outlets.

Thornton, who was named to the watch list for the 2022 Biletnikoff Award on Wednesday, has 37 receptions for 642 yards and five touchdowns. He has turned in four 100-yard games, including a career-best 173 at Arkansas State. Thornton ranks eighth in the FBS in receiving yards per game (107.0) and 29th in catches per outing (6.2).

Walker, in his first season starting at linebacker, has accrued 40 tackles with 2.0 tackles for loss and a sack. He also has six passes defended, which includes interceptions in back-to-back games. His first career interception set up JMU's go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter at App State, while his second was a 22-yard pick-six against Texas State.

JMU returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 22 when it hosts Marshall for Homecoming. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at Bridgeforth Stadium and will be streamed on ESPN+.

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