After achieving sustained success in the FCS during recent years, the James Madison Dukes are making the jump to the FBS level. Can the Dukes kick it with the big dogs in the Sun Belt this fall? If they’re to be competitive, they’ll need to lean on some of their star players who have aspirations of hearing their names called in the 2023 NFL Draft. If you’re watching the Dukes this fall, here are the top prospects to watch out for.
James Madison prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft
You don’t have to be playing in the FBS to be selected in the NFL draft, of course. James Madison has seen several standout players make it to the NFL since the turn of the century.
Both Earl Watford and Curtis Keaton were fourth-round picks. Meanwhile, quarterback Ben DiNucci and cornerback Jimmy Moreland both recently made the jump from the FCS to the NFL via James Madison. Now that they’ve made the FBS switch, these players will be hoping to add to the list of Dukes in the pros.
Jamare Edwards, DT
One of the two Shrine Bowl 1000 watchlist players on the James Madison roster, Jamare Edwards arrived this offseason having played his college football to date at Marshall. The 6’3″, 280-pound defensive end tallied 12 tackles for loss, six sacks, 17 quarterback hurries, and a forced fumble in 34 games across three playing seasons for the Thundering Herd.
Edwards moves impressively well for his size, with an explosive first step that allows him to get a jump on his blocker. While he’s been able to use this to his advantage as a pass rusher, Edwards actually excels as a run stopper. He displays some excellent hand usage to shed blocks and good technique and power to halt ball carriers in their tracks. With some key departures from the defense, Edwards should prove to be a difference-maker this fall.
Percy Agyei-Obese, RB
A key component of the 2019 James Madison team that lost to North Dakota State in the FCS Championship, running back Percy Agyei-Obese tallied 1,216 yards and 19 touchdowns to emerge as one of the top running backs in the FCS. Having played in just four games last fall, he returns as a key offensive cog for the Dukes as they enter the FBS. He’s also the second JMU player on the Shrine Bowl 1000 watchlist ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.
At 6’0″ and 213 pounds, you better believe that Agyei-Obese has the physicality to get the job done at the NFL level. He can grind out yardage with a strong lower body, churning his legs and absorbing contact for fun, while proving strong as a blocking back. However, the JMU rusher also showcases good footwork and a jump cut that allows him to create yardage for himself, with enough juice to break for chunk plays.
Jarius Reimonenq, S
James Madison has brought in several players with FBS experience to anchor their team, and Jarius Reimonenq is amongst the best of them. The 5’10”, 193-pound safety was highly impactful in three seasons with Arkansas State, registering 7.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, and 13 pass breakups.
With his innate understanding of man and zone coverages, physical presence, and impressive ball skills, Reimonenq has the skill set to be considered a versatile defensive back prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Kris Thornton, WR
Leading returning pass catcher Kris Thornton broke all manner of program records for the Dukes last season and figures to be the top target for new quarterback Todd Centeio. Thornton reeled in 83 receptions for over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns. He’s already earning national attention as a first-team Preseason Sun Belt honoree.
At 5’8″ and 180 pounds, Thornton will attract the undersized moniker in the 2023 NFL Draft class, but he’s a legitimate speed threat who has the instant acceleration and electric release to gain separation anywhere on the field. While he’s an after-the-catch threat, don’t discount Thornton’s ability to challenge at the catch point as well.
Nick Kidwell, OT
For incoming quarterback Centeio to achieve the same level of success as Cole Johnson enjoyed last season, right tackle Nick Kidwell is going to be a key component of the James Madison offensive line.
As a 2023 NFL Draft prospect, the 6’5″, 314-pound offensive tackle offers requisite size while boasting experience both at tackle and guard. He boasts good footwork with an explosive get-off, is a genuine people mover in the ground game with a nasty disposition, and showcases impressive play strength to negate pass rushers.
Todd Centeio, QB
Despite spending five seasons split between Temple and Colorado State, last year was the first time that Centeio led an offense for a full season. Throwing for 2,958 and 15 touchdowns while completing 60.3% of his passes, the 6’0″, 221-pound QB also flashed creative mobility with 439 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Having been tasked primarily with short-range passes at Colorado State, Centeio’s transfer to JMU will allow him to demonstrate the full potential of his arm which could facilitate 2023 NFL Draft interest.
Isaac Ukwu, DL
Isaac Ukwu was the full-time starter at James Madison’s STUD position last fall, and the dude is a legitimate stud of a prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. Ukwu tallied 16.5 tackles for loss last season while adding nine sacks and two forced fumbles. Furthermore, Ukwu also found a way to alternatively impact the passing game with two pass breakups.
The 6’3″, 261-pound defensive lineman showcases the ability to convert speed to power, has several weapons in his pass-rush toolbox already including push-pull and swim moves, and is relentless in his pursuit of the ball. A productive season in the FBS — combined with an alluring size, length, and athletic profile — should get his name on the NFL radar.
Abi Nwabuoku-Okonji, DL
Despite its losses, the defensive line could well be the strength of this 2022 James Madison defense. While he’s only made two starts in the past two seasons, Abi Nwabuoku-Okonji has shown flashes of potential that could translate into 2023 NFL Draft attention if nurtured correctly and allowed to flourish.
At 6’3″ and 264 pounds, he boasts an intriguing frame that is weaponized by long arms that are adept at shedding blocks. A former wrestler, Nwabuoku-Okonji clearly knows how to manipulate leverage, and his power is evident at the point of attack.
Sam Kidd, S
While the Dukes welcome Reimonenq via the transfer portal, an existing safety on the roster has a chance to attract 2023 NFL Draft attention. Sam Kidd is the leading returner to the James Madison secondary with seven pass breakups last fall. Furthermore, he was one of the teams leading tacklers with 60 total tackles that included 5.5 for loss and a forced fumble.
The 6’1″, 206-pound safety prospect boasts exceptional play speed, flying to the football and laying the boom with impressive physicality. You don’t have to look hard to identify No. 33. He’ll be the heat-seeking missile emerging out of the secondary. Kidd also boasts the length to be impactful at the catch point, disrupt passing lanes, and wrap up as a tackler.
Other potential James Madison prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft
- John Ransom, CB
- Latrele Palmer, RB
- Devin Ravenel, WR
- Tyshawn Wyatt, G
- Que Reid, S
- Taurus Jones, LB
- Mateo Jackson, LB
- Wesley McCormick, CB