JMU Football Unveils 2024 Team Award Winners

4/12/2025 11:00:00 AM | Football

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HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison football announced its 2024 yearly award winners on Saturday morning prior to the program's annual Spring Game, highlighted by quarterback Alonza Barnett III, tight end Taylor Thompson and defensive lineman Eric O'Neill being honored as Most Valuable Players.

Barnett was named the Dean Ehlers Team MVP Award winner, as he becomes JMU's second FBS quarterback to win the award since the program's move to the Sun Belt Conference. Thompson was selected as the Gary Clark Offensive MVP, while O'Neill was picked as the Charles Haley Defensive MVP. Additionally punter Ryan Hanson repeated as the Challace McMillin Special Teams Award recipient.

Taking home the Bob Yetzer Leadership Award was linebacker Jacob Dobbs, as the graduate transfer best exemplified determination, dedication and leadership during the 2024 season. Kicker Noe Ruelas was picked as the winner of the Casey Carter Academic Achievement Award.

The Jack Cavanaugh Award, which is presented to a senior athlete who has maintained good standing during their full tenure at JMU, has greater than a 3.0 GPA, has received no disciplinary referrals from the university and embodies leadership qualities; exemplified academics, leadership, dependability, trustworthiness, consistency and commitment over their full tenure was given to two players for the first time, as offensive lineman Tanner Morris and Cole Potts were recipients of the 2024 award.

In the trenches, Pat McMurtrie was recognized as Offensive Lineman of the Year while Khairi Manns was named Defensive Lineman 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 had multiple early injuries before finishing his career on the field with 18 starts over his final three years.

Running back Tyler Purdy, who initially walked on at JMU before earning a scholarship following the North Carolina game, was named the recipient of the John David Kraus Memorial Award, which is given to a player best exemplifying spirit and determination.

Nickel DJ Barksdale was given the Unsung Hero Award after starting all 13 games in the secondary and being named defensive MVP of the Boca Raton Bowl. He had a career-high 2.0 tackles for loss and forced a fumble in JMU's first bowl win in program history against WKU. Defensive lineman Immanuel Bush was presented the Iron Dukes Award, which is given to a player who is tough and is a team-before-self individual.

Rounding out the 2024 awards were the Doug West Scout Team MVPs. Quarterback Blake Kendall was the offensive honoree, defensive lineman Greyson Cadd was recognized from the defense and Stephen Hollander was the special teams pick.

2024 JMU Football Awards
Dean Ehlers Team MVP: Alonza Barnett III
Gary Clark Offensive MVP: Taylor Thompson
Charles Haley Defensive MVP: Eric O'Neill
Challace McMillin Special Teams Award: Ryan Hanson
Bob Yetzer Leadership Award: Jacob Dobbs
Casey Carter Academic Achievement Award: Noe Ruelas
Jack Cavanaugh Award: Tanner Morris & Cole Potts
Offensive Lineman of the Year: Pat McMurtrie
Defensive Lineman of the Year: Khairi Manns
Hess-Green Award: Taurus Jones
John David Kraus Memorial Award: Tyler Purdy
Unsung Hero: DJ Barksdale
Iron Dukes Award: Immanuel Bush
Doug West Scout Team Offensive MVP: Blake Kendall
Doug West Scout Team Defensive MVP: Greyson Cadd
Doug West Scout Team Special Teams MVP: Stephen Hollander