JMU coach refuses to name starting QB for Charlotte game

Kennedy, who spent the past two seasons as Chesney’s offensive coordinator at Holy Cross, had a big hand in Morris’ selection.

“There’s a lot that went into this process. There were a lot of names on the table,” Chesney said. “And ultimately, he was the guy Coach Kennedy had the most confidence in.”

Morris committed to Madison without visiting Harrisonburg, but he did a lot of research, studying the Dukes’ program and the success Chesney and Kennedy had at Holy Cross.

Morris even recalled watching JMU’s College Gameday appearance and said he was looking forward to seeing the fan tradition of throwing streamers after the first score live.

Kennedy’s offense aims to be balanced and protect the football – Chesney values ​​ball security and field position above all else – while providing an explosive punch by creating favorable matchups with pre-snap movement and versatile players.

Morris and Barnett, a skilled and elusive running back, bring different skill sets to the table, making it likely that part of the matchup plans could mean using both quarterbacks either play-by-play or series-by-series.

“I’ve lived this life before,” said Chesney, who played quarterback Matthew Sluka in limited running packages Sluka’s true freshman season in 2020. Sluka became a full-time starter and a three-time Patriot League selection .

So on Saturday, Chesney and Kennedy could give the ball to Morris or Barnette. They could play both. And the player who starts in Charlotte isn’t guaranteed to be the same one who gets the nod the following week for the home opener against Gardner-Webb.

“It provides two different sets of circumstances for any opponent we’re going to play, and I think we like that part of it,” Chesney said. “There is a lot that can be done by both of us. There’s no shortage of plays or ways to attack a defense and I think that’s what Coach Kennedy works on the most.”