2019 as a Redshirt Junior: Played in all 16 games, making three starts at left tackle… Part of an offensive line that helped JMU lead the country in completion percentage (70.6%) and fourth-down percentage (88.9%), while also ranking second in third-down percentage (53.6%), third in scoring (40.0) and first downs (24.81), fourth in pass efficiency (169.44), sixth in red-zone percentage (91.7%), seventh in time of possession (33:14) and 10th in both total offense (465.8) and rushing offense (242.9)... JMU produced at least 50 points four times and had an average win margin of 24.3 points per game... CAA Football Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (Fall 2019).
2018 as a Redshirt Sophomore: Started all 13 games, with the first four at left tackle and the final nine at left guard… Part of an offensive line that helped JMU rank second nationally in completion percentage (67.4%) while also ranking 10th in the FCS in first downs (279), 13th on third-down conversions (45.6%) and 18th in scoring (33.9)… Dukes led CAA in third-down opportunities while also ranking second in scoring, total offense (406.9), first downs and red-zone percentage (85.5%).
2017 as a Redshirt Freshman: Played in all 15 games, making three starts at left guard… Part of an offensive line that helped JMU lead the CAA and rank 15th nationally in scoring (34.4)… Also ranked third in first downs (325), ninth in completion percentage (64.9), 22nd in pass efficiency (142.46 rating), 25th in rushing (194.3), and 30th in total offense (419.0)… JMU produced four games over 40 points, including a season-high 75… Ranked second nationally with a +23.3 win margin... CAA Football Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll.
2016 as a Freshman: Redshirted to retain a year of eligibility.
High School: First Team All-Passaic County as a junior and senior… First Team All-Big North United Conference as a senior and Second Team as a junior… Won three NJSIAA state championships with the Spartans… Non-Public Group 3 state champion as a senior and Group 2 state champion as a sophomore and junior… Received academic honors in the technology department at DePaul Catholic.
Personal: Full name is Zaire Bethea… Son of Darvin and Kim Bethea… Has a brother, Zion, and sister, Zarria… Majoring in sport and recreation management.
JMU Football | Bob Chesney Weekly Press Conference - Sept. 8, 2025JMU Football | Bob Chesney Weekly Press Conference - Sept. 8, 2025
Monday, September 08
JMU Football | Players Postgame Press Conference vs. Louisville - Sept. 5, 2025JMU Football | Players Postgame Press Conference vs. Louisville - Sept. 5, 2025
Monday, September 08
JMU Football | Bob Chesney Postgame Press Conference vs. Louisville - Sept. 5, 2025JMU Football | Bob Chesney Postgame Press Conference vs. Louisville - Sept. 5, 2025
Saturday, September 06
JMU Football | Win this game.JMU Football | Win this game.