HARRISONBURG, Va., Feb. 3, 2010 - James Madison football coach Mickey Matthews Wednesday announced the signing of 19 scholastic athletes to JMU grants-in-aid.

The signees include 10 players from Virginia, three from nearby Maryland, two from the Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania, two from Texas and one each from New Jersey and New York.

JMU's 2010 recruiting class includes two players listed as quarterbacks, one running back, three wide receivers, two offensive linemen, three defensive linemen, a linebacker/safety, four defensive backs, and one placekicker/punter.  Two are listed as athletes without yet-determined positions.

"Our over-riding issue going into recruiting and during last season was quarterback, and we like the two guys we signed," Matthews said.  "They are two impressive young guys."

Both incoming quarterbacks are from Texas and include six-foot-two, 185-pound Jace Edwards from Robert E. Lee High School in Midland and 6-1, 205-pound Henry Hunter from Sachse High School in Garland.

The Dukes signed 6-3, 195-pound wide receiver Anthony Rose, whose older brothers Jon and Peter play at JMU, and a pair of national-caliber track and field athletes in 5-8, 170-pound running back Dejor Simmons of Virginia Beach, Va., and 5-10, 180-pound defensive back Marquis Woodyard of Frederick, Md.  Simmons is a standout sprinter and Woodyard a hurdler.

JMU'S  2010  RECRUITING  CLASS

Name, Pos., Ht., Wt., High School, Hometown
Erik Buchholz, DL, 6-5, 240, Great Valley, Malvern, Pa.
Matt Cunningham, OL, 6-4, 260, West Potomac, Alexandria, Va.
Corey Davis, CB, 5-9, 175, St. Peter's Prep, Union, N.J.
Ryan Dixon, WR, 6-0, 180, Linganore, Libertytown, Md.
Jace Edwards, QB, 6-2, 185, Robert E. Lee, Midland, Texas
Josh Hogan, DL, 6-3, 220, Woodson, Fairfax, Va.
Henry Hunter, QB, 6-1, 205, Sachse, Garland, Texas
Wyatt Johnson, WR, 6-0, 180, Highland Springs, Richmond, Va.
Jauan Latney, ATH, 6-0, 185, Massaponax, Fredericksburg, Va.
Brandon Lee, SS/LB, 6-2, 215, Park View, Sterling, Va.
Kyle Linn, DB, 6-3, 185, Turner Ashby, Bridgewater, Va.
Eric Magruder, ATH, 6-0, 180, Petersburg, Petersburg, Va.
Dean Marlowe, DB, 6-3, 185, Holy Cross, Queens, N.Y.
Anthony McDaniel, DL, 6-1, 250, Dr. Henry A Wise, Jr., Upper Marlboro, Md.
Anthony Rose, WR, 6-3, 195, Amherst, Amherst, Va.
Graham Sharples, PK/P, 5-9, 160 Handley, Winchester, Va.
Dejor Simmons, RB, 5-8, 170 Green Run, Virginia Beach, Va.
Matt Williams, OL, 6-3, 260, Cardinal O'Hara, Glen Mills, Pa.
Marquis Woodyard, DB, 5-10, 180, Thomas Johnson, Frederick, Md.

Erik Buchholz
Position: Defensive Line
Ht./Wt.: 6-5/240
Hometown:  Malvern, Pa.
High School:  Great Valley


Matt Cunningham
Position: Offensive Line
Ht./Wt.: 6-4/260
Hometown:  Alexandria, Va.
High School:  West Potomac


Corey Davis
Position: Cornerback
Ht./Wt.: 5-9/175
Hometown:  Union, N.J.
High School:  St. Peters Prep
Coach:  Rich Hansen

High School:  Starter at cornerback and wide receiver for Coach Rich Hansen at St. Peters Prep... as a senior was first-team All-Hudson at cornerback and wide receiver... third-team all-state at wide receiver... team was 10-2 and reached the state final... had 46 catches for 750 yards and 10 touchdowns... defensively had 38 tackles and three interceptions...  as a junior was first-team All-Hudson at cornerback... team was 8-3 and reached the second round of post-season play... offensively had 450 yards rushing and six touchdowns and 100 yards receiving... defensively had 36 solo tackles and two interceptions...  also had two punt returns for touchdowns... as a sophomore was third-team All-Hudson at cornerback... team was 11-1 and reached the state finals... had 32 solo tackles on defense... six rushing touchdowns on offense... ran track... actively involved in community service at the Boys & Girls Club in Jersey City all four years of high school... Youth YMCA basketball coach... New Jersey Community Food Bank Volunteer... intends to major in business.
Personal:  Born Dec. 15, 1991 in Newark, N.J.... parents are Kim and Phillip Davis... has two sisters, Courtney and Lindsi.


Ryan Dixon
Position: Wide Receiver
Ht./Wt.: 6-0/180
Hometown: Libertytown, Md.
High School: Linganore
Coach: Rick Conner

High School:  Played wide receiver for Coach Rick Conner at Linganore... as a senior led the team to Maryland Division 3A state championship while being named Associated Press all-state as a wide receiver... All-Gazette, All-Area by the Frederick News Post, and All MVAL... had 40 receptions for 887 yards and nine touchdowns... as a junior was first-team AP all-state, honorable mention Washington Post All-Met, All MVAL, All-Gazette, and All-Area Frederick News Post... caught 50 receptions for 982 yards and 14 touchdowns... as a sophomore was honorable mention Washington Post All-Met, honorable mention AP all-state, All Gazette, and first-team All-Area Frederick News Post... caught 34 receptions for 577 yards and four touchdowns... played in the 2009 Maryland Crab Bowl All-Star Game... started on the basketball team as a sophomore and junior... honor roll student all four years... plans to major in sport management.
Personal:  Born Sept. 1, 1992 in Frederick, Md.... parents are Lorie and Thomas Dixon... has one brother, Sean.


Jace Edwards
Position:  Quarterback
Ht./Wt.:  6-2/185
Hometown:  Midland, Texas
High School:  Robert E. Lee
Coach:  James Morton

High School:  Three year starter at quarterback for Coach James Morton at Robert E. Lee... 2009 first-team All-District 2-5A quarterback...as a senior completed 74 of 147 passes for 1,337 yards and 12 touchdowns... rushed for 902 yards on 130 carries and 14 touchdowns... led team to 5A district playoffs... as a junior completed 80 of 128 passes for 971 yards and nine touchdowns... rushed for 457 yards on 87 carries and five touchdowns... as a sophomore completed 39 of 72 passes for 423 yards and one touchdown... rushed for 91 yards on 25 carries and two touchdowns...participated in four varsity sports (football, baseball, basketball, and track)... three-time 2-5A Academic Decathlon medalist... academic Honor Roll... plans to major in business.
Personal:  Born Jan. 8, 1992 in Lubbock, Texas... parents are Kelli and Jay Edwards... has three sisters, Kortni, Karysa, and Karigan...also has one brother, Brant.


Josh Hogan
Position: Defensive Line
Ht./Wt.: 6-3/220
Hometown: Fairfax, Va.
High School: Woodson
Coach: Trey Taylor

High School:  Two way starter at tight end and linebacker for Coach Trey Taylor at Woodson... as a senior was first-team all-state at linebacker (Associated Press, , Virginia Preps)... honorable mention coaches all-state linebacker... second-team Washington Post All-Met linebacker... first-team all-region linebacker and region defensive player of the year runner-up... honorable mention all-region tight end... first-team all-county linebacker... first-team all-district linebacker and tight end... district defensive player of the year... Gameday Magazine first-team all region... 2009 Fairfax County Youth Football League Hall of Fame... Cavalier Athletic Achievement Award (Varsity Football 2009)... three- year letterman in basketball... scholar-athlete award 2006 and 2009... plans to major in geographic science.
Personal:  Born March 21, 1992 in Colorado Springs, Colo....parents are J.J. and Julie Hogan... has a brother, Brendan.


Henry Hunter
Position: Quarterback
Ht./Wt.: 6-1/205
Hometown: Garland, Texas
High School:  Sachse
Coach: Mark Behrens

High School:  Two-year starter at quarterback for Coach Mark Behrens at Sachse... as a senior was first-team All-District 10 5A QB... completed 77 of 156 passes for 1,239 yards and eight touchdowns... rushed for 686 yards on 164 attempts and 14 touchdowns... as a junior completed 108 of 203 passes for 1,678 yards and 14 touchdowns... rushed for 630 yards on 135 attempts and 10 touchdowns... team offensive MVP in 2008 and 2009... also played varsity basketball for three years..A/B Honor Roll all four years... plans to major in engineering.
Personal:  Born Jan. 13, 1992 in Irving, Texas... parents are Henry and Joyce Hunter... has 2 sisters, Alexis and Ashley...  uncle, Johnny Holland, is linebackers coach for the NFL Houston Texans.


Wyatt Johnson
Position: Wide Receiver
Ht./Wt.: 6-0/180
Hometown:  Richmond, Va.
High School:  Highland Springs

High School:  Two-way starter at wide receiver and defensive back for Coach Loren Johnson at Highland Springs... as a senior was selected first-team all-district and all-region... honorable mention all-state... had 41 receptions for 879 yards and 12 touchdowns... defensively, had 20 tackles and two interceptions.


Jauan Latney
Position: Athlete
Ht./Wt.: 6-0/185
Hometown:  Fredericksburg, Va.
High School:  Massaponax


Brandon Lee
Position: Strong Safety/Linebacker
Ht./Wt.:  6-2/215
Hometown:  Sterling, Va.
High School:  Park View

High School:  Two-way starter for Coach Andy Hill at Parkview... 2009 Dulles District offensive plahyer of the year... first-team All-Dulles at quarterback and defensive back... first-team all-region... second-team all-state... as a senior had 2,273 yards passing with 23 touchdowns... accounted for 1,301 yards rushing with 17 touchdowns... defensively, had 57 tackles, including 13 for losses, 25 sacks and four blocked kicks... plays on the varsity basketball team and runs track.
Personal:  Born Oct. 16, 1991 in Silver Springs, Md.... mother is Diane Lee... has one sister, Brittani.


Kyle Linn
Position: Defensive Back
Ht./Wt.: 6-3/185
Hometown: Bridgewater, Va.
High School: Turner Ashby
Coach:  Charlie Newman

High School:  Played both quarterback and free safety for Coach Charlie Newman at Turner Ashby... 2009 Associated Press first-team all-state defensive back for the second consecutive year... Region III and Massanutten District defensive player of the year... as a senior completed 83 of 167 passes for 1,110 yards and 10 touchdowns... rushed for 508 yards and eight touchdowns... defensively, had 102 tackles, four interceptions, seven pass breakups, and two caused fumbles... as a junior was first-team all-state defensive back and Massanutten District defensive player of the year... completed 75 of 128 passes for 970 yards and four touchdowns... rushed for 306 yards and 10 touchdowns and caught six passes for 148 yards and four touchdowns... as a sophomore was first-team all-district defensive back... had 88 tackles and four interceptions... named team  MVP his junior and senior seasons... played basketball and baseball.
Personal:  Born Nov. 9, 1991 in Harrisonburg, Va.... parents are Steve and Bobbi Linn... has two sisters Ashley (a JMU 2005 graduate) and Kasey(15), and a brother, Kevin... enjoys hunting and fishing... plans to pursue a degree in engineering.


Eric Magruder
Position: Athlete
Ht./Wt.: 6-0/180
Hometown:  Petersburg, Va.
High School:  Petersburg

High School:  As a 2009 senior at Petersburg was second-team All-Central District and All-Tri-City as a defensive back... nominated to the state all-star game... threw for 430 yards and five touchdowns and ran for 535 yards and four scores... had 183 receiving yards... defensively, had 41 tackles with three interceptions and 10 pass deflections... received the team most versatile player as a junior... was first-team all Central District as a defensive back and All-Tri-City.


Dean Marlowe
Position: Defensive Back
Ht./Wt.: 6-3/185
Hometown: Queens, N.Y.
High School: Holy Cross
Coach: Tom Pugh


High School:  Two-way starter at quarterback and defensive back coach Tom Pugh at Holy Cross... as a senior was New York Post and New York Daily News Queens player of the year... team lost in the New York CHSFL semifinals... first-team All-Queens and All-New York City as a quarterback... threw for 1,657 yards and 15 touchdowns... rushed for 797 yards and 15 touchdowns... had 45 tackles and five interceptions, one of which was returned 102 yards for a touchdown... as a junior was first-team All-CHSFL, All-Queens, and All-New York City... team reached CHSFL quarterfinals... had 75 tackles and six interceptions... combined for more than 750 punt and kickoff returns yards one touchdown... team MVP his senior year... offensive MVP in 2009 CHSFL Senior Bowl All-Star Game... selected to play in Outback Steakhouse Challenge All-Star Game in June... ran track... First Honors honor roll (91 average or better) freshman through senior years... St. Clair academic tutor volunteer... intends to major in sports management.
Personal:  Born July 25, 1992 in Flushing, N.Y.... parents are Lisa and Mike Neil... has two sisters, Amanda and Stephanie.


Anthony McDaniel
Position: Defensive Line
Ht./Wt.: 6-1/250
Hometown:  Upper Marlboro, Md.
High School: Dr. Henry A Wise, Jr.
Coach: DeLawn Parrish

High School:  Two year starter at defensive tackle for Coach DeLawn Parrish... 2009 consensus first-team  all-state defensive tackle... first-team All-Prince George County... first-team All-County Gazette and Gazette defensive player of the year... first-team Washington Post All-Met... first-team PG Extra... selected to play in the Prince George SMAC All-Star Game... led Wise's defense to 10 total shutouts and a state-record eight consecutive... county and region champions... team reached the state finals... as a junior was first-team All-PG County Gazette... honorable mention Schools All-State.


Anthony Rose
Position: Wide Receiver
Ht./Wt.: 6-3/195
Hometown: Amherst, Va.
High School: Amherst
Coach: Cecil Phillips

High School:  Played wide receiver, defensive back and linebacker for Coach Cecil Phillips at Amherst... team reached the state championship game during each of his four seasons and won the title his freshman and sophomore seasons... as a senior was first-team all-district and all-region and second-team all-state as a wide receiver... also was first-team all-State, all-region and all-district as a linebacker... as a junior was second-team all-District at quarterback... also was first-team all-district and all-region at linebacker... team captain... ran track and placed eighth in the Group AA meet as a junior.
Personal:  Parents are John and Mary... will be the third of three brothers to sign to play football for JMU... Jon is entering his junior and Peter redshirted this past year as a freshman.


Graham Sharples
Position: Placekicker/Punter
Ht./Wt.: 5-9/160
Hometown:  Winchester, Va.
High School:  Handley

High School:  Three-year starter at placekicker and punter for Coach Tony Rayburn at Handley... 2009 Virginia Preps second-team all-state placekicker... Winchester Star All-Area placekicker and punter... Northern Virginia Daily All-Area placekicker and punter... unanimous selection at placekicker and punter for the Northwestern District... first-team all-region and all-state at punter... three-year starter for the varsity soccer team... Northwestern District VHSL All-Academic Award for achieving a 3.5 or better GPA during varsity seasons in football and soccer... team captain for a 2009 team that went 12-1 and reached the state semifinals... four-year honor roll student.
Personal: Born April 30, 1992 in Danville, Va.... parents are John and Feletia Sharples... has one sister, Gracyn... grandfather, Frank VanValkenburg, played football at the University of Colorado.


Dejor Simmons
Position:  Running Back
Ht./Wt.:  5-8/170
Hometown:  Virginia Beach, Va.
High School:  Green Run
Coach:  Shawn Wilson

High School:  Played running back for coach Shawn Wilson at Green Run... as a senior was first-team all-region, all-district, and all-Tidewater...ran for 1,600 yards and 25 touchdowns... team captain... as a junior was first-team all-Region, all-district, and all-Tidewater... nationally ranked sprinter in track... district champion in the 100- and 200-meter dashes... state champion as a junior in the Group AAA meet in the 100 meter dash... member of the state champion 4x100 and 4x200 teams... two-time AAU national champion in 100 and 200 meters.
Personal:  Born May 12, 1992 in Virginia Beach, Va....  parents are Ralph Thorp and Sharon Simmons.


Matt Williams
Position: Offensive Line
Ht./Wt.: 6-3/260
Hometown: Glen Mills, Pa.
High School: Cardinal O'Hara
Coach: Don Algeo

High School:  Two-way Llneman for Coach Don Algeo at Cardinal O'Hara... as a senior was first-team all-state offensive lineman... first-team All-Catholic League offensive and defensive lineman... first-team all-county offensive lineman... All-Southeast Pennsylvania first team... as a junior was second-team All-Catholic League offensive lineman... honorable mention All Delco offensive lineman... made Second Honor's twice... selected to play in the Big 33 Pennsylvania vs. Ohio High School All-Star Game.
Personal:  Born July 7, 1991... parents are Charlie and Karen Williams...has a sister, Amy, and a brother, Mike.


Marquis Woodyard
Position:  Defensive Back
Ht./Wt.: 5-10/180
Hometown: Frederick, Md.
High School:  Thomas Johnson
Coach: Ben Wright

High School:  Three year letterman for Coach Ben Wright at Thomas Johnson... 2009 second-team all-state defensive back... 2009 first-team all-state playoff team... all-conference wide receiver... all-county defensive back... as a senior  had 56 tackles and three interceptions... offensively had 42 receptions for 563 yards and eight touchdowns... as a junior was all-county defensive back... had 44 tackles and five interceptions... offensively had 18 receptions for 220 yards and three touchdowns... as a sophomore had 34 tackles and two interceptions... highly decorated track athlete... county and state runner of the year... all-state, county, and conference runner... 110- and 300-meter hurdle state champion as a junior... 2009 Gatorade Track Athlete of the Year... led team to back-to-back state track championships... vice president of Necktie Organization... Honor Roll... Maryland Scholar... plans to major in political science.
Personal:  Born in Harrisburg, Pa.....parents are Shannon Woodyard and Saundra Harvey.