Coach Everett Withers’ final recruiting class at James Madison consisted of 21 players — 35 including walk-ons. Five years and two coaching staffs later, six remain.
Linebacker Dimitri Holloway, cornerback Rashad Robinson, right guard Jahee Jackson and wide receiver Riley Stapleton are projected starters for Saturday’s FCS championship game against North Dakota State. Linebacker Mike Cobbs and cornerback Charles Tutt are on the two-deep.
During their five-year run in Harrisonburg, the Dukes have records of 60-10 overall, 36-4 in the Colonial Athletic Association and 11-3 in the NCAA playoffs. They’ve won four conference championships, three outright, and one national title.
And Saturday, they’ll play in their third national championship game in five years.
“It makes me realize the decision I made to come here was the best I ever made,” said Holloway, who made that call as a senior at Heritage High in Newport News.
Making their run more remarkable is the fact that they’ve played for three head coaches. After Withers left in 2016, they played three seasons for Mike Houston. Now, they are closing out their careers in the first year of Curt Cignetti’s era.
That’s not how they expected things to unfold on Feb. 4, 2015 — their signing day. But with each transition, the program moved forward.
“There’s a winning culture that has been developed over the years,” Cignetti said. “And these guys … expect to compete for championships.”
In all, according to Greg Madia of the Daily News-Record, the Dukes have had 33 assistant coaches over the last five seasons. That includes three offensive and defensive coordinators.
“What we talk about is that despite having a new coach and a new position coach, you have to buy into what they’re saying,” Holloway said. “We preach that the locker room is the best bond you have.”
Each has played a role in the program’s historic five-year run. Holloway has been the Dukes’ leading tackler the last two seasons. Robinson has 13 career interceptions, tied for third on the program’s all-time list.
Jackson has started 35 games, including all 15 this season, since his sophomore year at both right guard and tackle. Stapleton’s career totals include 159 receptions (third in JMU history), 2,013 yards (sixth) and 20 touchdowns (third).
Tutt’s career highlights include a 79-yard interception return for a touchdown in the Dukes’ second-round win over Monmouth. Cobbs has played primarily on special teams.
From one coach to another and yet another, they’ve continued to win.
“The thing about this team is we have great leadership,” Cignetti said. “We just have so many guys that bring positive energy every day. We have a great locker room, great morale.
“This team has been a joy to coach. It’s been an easy team to coach, to be quite honest with you.”
Saturday will be Stapleton’s third appearance in a national championship game. Holloway, Robinson, Jackson and Cobb will play their second final.
In the 2016 title game, a win over Youngstown State, Holloway cracked his fibula on the Dukes’ first defensive series. He missed the entire ’17 season, which included a loss to North Dakota State in the FCS final.
“In ’16, I played three plays,” Holloway said. “In ’17, I didn’t play at all. I’m really excited about this one for sure.
“I know this is my last college game, and I want to go out with a victory. That’s the best you can ask for.”
James Madison (14-1) vs. North Dakota State (15-0)
WHEN: Saturday, noon.
WHERE: Frisco, Texas.
HISTORY: JMU and NDSU have played three times since 2011, all coming in the postseason. The Bison won 26-14 in 2011 (second round) and 17-13 in ’17 (final); the Dukes won 27-17 in ’16 (semifinal).
ON AIR: WVEC.
