JMU Preseason Camp Notebook: Day 1

HARRISONBURG – With one of the team’s top wide receivers sliding back to running back, there was still plenty of talent lining up wide during Monday’s first preseason practice for James Madison football, including a pair of guys who sat out last spring.

Kerby Long and Quintin Hunter both missed spring practice with the Dukes but both were hauling in passes from Justin Thorpe, Billy Cosh and Jace Edwards on Monday.

Long was dealing with a shoulder injury and addressing academic issues in the spring, while Hunter tore his Achilles tendon. Both were back on the field Monday, though Hunter was still limited to just some light running.

“The Achilles feels great. It’s gotten better each and every day,” Hunter, who transferred to JMU from Virginia before last season, said. “The best thing is getting out here with the fellas.”

Cosh – a transfer quarterback from Kansas State – said he had the chance to workout with Long during the summer and was impressed with Long’s speed.

“In the summer we threw a lot,” Cosh said. “He’s a fast guy, he can really roll.”

Long has caught 25 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns in 28 career games at JMU. He’s also the only senior wide receiver on the roster this season.

“Kerby brings a lot to the table,” said Hunter.

QB battle update: All three quarterbacks saw time Monday, though Justin Thorpe had some issues after not eating a full lunch (see Tuesday’s Daily News-Record).

“As long as we all get repetitions, we’ll have a fair quarterback competition,” Thorpe said.

JMU has added a walk-on quarterback to the mix in Mackenzie Spees.

Catch of the day: Daniel Brown used his fingertips to pull in a perfectly lofted fade pass from Billy Cosh during the 7-on-7 skeleton portion of practice.

Just visiting: Former JMU president Dr. Ronald Carrier dropped by practice Monday, as did current athletic director Jeff Bourne and new WHSV sports director J.J. Davis.

Also in attendance, UNC-Charlotte football coach Brad Lambert. Lambert was an assistant on the Georgia staff with Mickey Matthews and is launching the 49ers program, which begins play in 2013.