James Carpenter Trusts Process, Grows into Leader at JMU

When James Carpenter arrived in Harrisonburg in the summer of 2019, he had no guarantees on the James Madison football team. Carpenter, who was offered a walk-on spot with the program, did not know if he would ever get playing time but taking the spot was a "no brainer."

A spot was offered to him by Head Coach Curt Cignetti after watching Carpenter compete at a summer camp.

"James was quick, he ran and moved really well," Cignetti said. "He showed explosive power, and I thought he was a very intriguing prospect."

Cignetti and his coaching staff were looking for "high quality walk-ons'' and Carpenter immediately came to mind. Four years later, Cignetti believes Carpenter has "become a productive player and one of the best defensive linemen in the conference."

While he was excited for the opportunity to walk-on to the team, Carpenter was faced with challenges in his first few weeks at JMU.

"There were times where I doubted myself. I was coming from a school that had 400 people to a school of over 20,000 students," Carpenter said. "I just stuck with the process, put my head down and kept working hard."

To get through his initial doubts, Carpenter leaned on those around him, especially his dad.

"I was pretty homesick at first, and sometimes I wanted to quit and go home. I called my dad a couple times expressing those feelings, but he never let me quit," Carpenter said. "My family and friends from home believed in me more than I did at times. I wouldn't be here without them."

Carpenter redshirted in 2019 and since then, his playing time has increased each season. With each season came not just more production but postseason honors as well. After being voted Virginia Sports Information Directors Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020, he was a Phil Steele Freshman All-American in 2021.

This past season, Carpenter started all 11 games at nose guard, something he could not imagine a few years ago. After recording 52 tackles with 11.5 for loss and 5.5 sacks, Carpenter was recognized as a Second Team All-Sun Belt selection and First Team All-State member.

This year, he might just be one of the league's elite pass rushers.

"I really never thought I was going to get any playing time, but I trusted the process. Each year I tried to take certain things and fine tune them and work on the details so I could continue to get better," Carpenter said.

Pat Kuntz, JMU's defensive line coach, joined the program in February 2022. Although he has only had one season working with Carpenter, he has seen him flourish on and off the field.

"James makes my job easier. He is a leader and is fully committed to doing whatever it takes in order for his team to win," Kuntz said. "James has such a clear love for the game and he's a complete honor to coach."

Kuntz and the defensive staff have seen Carpenter overcome adversities and "play with a chip on his shoulder" over the past year. One of the main things Kuntz has seen Carpenter improve on has been his leadership capabilities.

"James has become a leader by action. He is well respected because he supports everyone and pushes them to improve," Kuntz said. "When James speaks, people pick up on it and listen. When you have those types of people in your leadership and on your football team, good things happen."

Throughout his football career, Carpenter has learned to trust the process and his work ethic.

"My dad always taught me to stick it out. He told me that it'll work out and things will go in my favor eventually. Even if it's going to be tough at first, I learned to keep working hard and doing all the right things. By doing that, you get a chance and opportunity eventually," Carpenter said.

As an underclassman, Carpenter learned a lot from the older players about the JMU football program. Now, Carpenter hopes to continue to set the standard for younger players and those around him in coming seasons.

"It's my turn to step into that role, be a vocal leader, but at the same time leading by example, and showing the younger guys what we need to do to be successful," Carpenter said. "It's my job to do that as one of the leaders on the team and set the standard."

Cignetti has observed Carpenter's positive effect on his teammates and effort in the program.

"The best way to lead is through your actions and everything he does he does full speed, with great intensity and toughness. He's a good role model for those younger guys and the other guys around them," Cignetti said.

As Kuntz continues to work with Carpenter, he wants to push him to play "as fast and as confident as possible."

"We have to continue to chase perfection and opportunities to be successful," Kuntz said. "He's going to have another big year and we just need to keep building and stacking levels to the already great foundation that he has."

In the upcoming season, Carpenter believes his team is capable of winning every game on their schedule. Carpenter's primary goal is simple. "We just want to win."

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