JMU Football Announces 2022 Team Award Winners

4/11/2023 3:35:00 PM | Football

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison Head Coach Curt Cignetti announced the football program's yearly award winners for the 2022 season, highlighted by quarterback Todd Centeio being named the Dean Ehlers Team MVP.

Joining Centeio on the list of MVPs were wide receiver Kris Thornton, who was selected as the Gary Clark Offensive MVP, and defensive lineman Isaac Ukwu, who was tabbed Charles Haley Defensive MVP. Of the specialists, punter Sam Clark was named the Challace McMillin Special Teams Award winner.

Centeio was the lone student-athlete to garner multiple awards, as Cignetti and his staff awarded the signal caller the Bob Yetzer Leadership Award, which is presented annually to a player who best exemplifies determination, dedication and leadership.

Long snapper Aaron Whear took home Casey Carter Academic Achievement Award after posting a 4.0 GPA throughout his career at JMU. Fellow long snapper Kyle Davis was also the 2022 recipient of the Jack Cavanaugh Award, which is presented to a senior athlete who maintained good standing during their tenure at JMU, held greater than a 3.0 GPA, received no disciplinary referrals from the university and embodies leadership qualities.

Up front, Nick Kidwell was recognized as the JMU Offensive Lineman of the Year, while James Carpenter was named Defensive Lineman of the Year. Cornerback Chauncey Logan, who led the team and ranked third in the Sun Belt with 10 pass breakups, was selected Rookie of the Year.

The Hess-Green Award, presented to a player who returned to the field of play after a significant injury and overcame hardship, was given to linebacker Taurus Jones, who missed the entire 2021 season due to injury. Jones started all 11 games and was named Third Team All-Sun Belt and First Team All-State after leading the Dukes with 82 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss.

Running back Percy Agyei-Obese, who completed his career ranking second at JMU in rushing touchdowns (39), third in rushing yards (3,503) and fourth in scoring (234), was selected as the John David Kraus Memorial Award, which is given to a player best exemplifying spirit and determination.

Linebacker Jailin Walker was presented the Unsung Hero Award after being an Honorable Mention All-Sun Belt selection with 63 tackles and three interceptions (two pick-sixes) in his first season as a starter. Tight End Drew Painter was also named the winner of the Iron Dukes Award, which is given to a player who is tough and is a team-before-self individual.

Rounding out the awards as the Doug West Scout Team MVPs were wide receiver Erick Harris (Offensive), linebacker Brandon Fique (Defensive) and running back Kalin Jean (Special Teams).

2022 JMU Football Awards
Dean Ehlers Team MVP: Todd Centeio
Gary Clark Offensive MVP: Kris Thornton
Charles Haley Defensive MVP: Isaac Ukwu
Challace McMillin Special Teams Awards: Sam Clark
Bob Yetzer Leadership Award: Todd Centeio
Casey Carter Academic Achievement Award: Aaron Whear
Jack Cavanaugh Award: Kyle Davis
Offensive Lineman of the Year: Nick Kidwell
Defensive Lineman of the Year: James Carpenter
Rookie of the Year: Chauncey Logan
Hess-Green Award: Taurus Jones
John David Kraus Memorial Award: Percy Agyei-Obese
Unsung Hero: Jailin Walker
Iron Dukes Award: Drew Painter
Doug West Scout Team Offensive MVP: Erick Harris
Doug West Scout Team Defensive MVP: Brandon Fique
Doug West Scout Team Special Teams MVP: Kalin Jean