With HBCU beginnings, QB Alonza Barnett III leads James Madison’s historical playoff run
James Madison’s Alonza Barnett III Leads Dukes to Historical Playoff Look
James Madison University quarterback Alonza Barnett III has really pressed the Dukes to their inaugural University Football Playoff berth, completing an amazing period defined by stamina and administration. Barnett, the Sunlight Belt Player of the Year and recipient of the valued Bill Dudley Honor, has actually made a spectacular return after withstanding a season-ending knee injury in 2014.
In December 2024, Barnett underwent ACL surgical treatment following a non-contact injury sustained in a double-overtime loss toMarshall Unbelievely, a year later on to the day of his surgical treatment, he assisted the Dukes to their really initial Sunlight Belt Conference champion, racking up a vital hurrying goal in a 31 – 14 success versusTroy Assessing the outstanding timeline, Barnett defined, “A year ago, on the very same day … I’m a Sun Belt champ. There’s simply power in that.”
The champ success extended James Madison’s winning touch to 11 video games, essential for securing their playoff area. Barnett revealed his resolution to go back to the area post-surgery, urging both himself and his group regardless of unpredictability bordering his revival. “God’s truly been faithful to me. He’s extending His graces and beautifies upon my life, and I’m just honored to be in this placement,” he highlighted.
Barnett’s journey back to football began with a solid duration opener versus Weber State, where he threw for 130 grass and rushed for 2 goals, keeping in mind the beginning of a historic duration. Head Coach Bob Chesney praised Barnett’s commitment and determination, examining a trip that lots of idea was challenging. “He prepared for it and knew he could [come back],” Chesney kept in mind.
Originally coming from Greensboro, North Carolina, Barnett’s trip in showing off tasks was deeply affected by his family members’s abundant football heritage– his papa, Alonza Barnett II, is a North Carolina A&T hall of famer that played as a quarterback and in the future as a safety back. Growing up around the A&T program, Barnett figured out the intricacies of university football while functioning as a round young child, forming his long-lasting interest for the sporting activity.
After a standout senior high school occupation, Barnett devoted to James Madison in 2021 His choice was influenced by the Dukes’ solid affordable spirit and dedication to specialist athlete success. Currently a redshirt junior, Barnett has really offered fantastic statistics throughout the duration, finishing 2, 533 passing yards and placement among the nation’s leading players in important performance metrics.
As the Dukes prepare for their following difficulty versus Oregon on December 20, Barnett reviews the relevance of the minute. “This is an environment that you desire for playing in. If you are who you claim you are, you can’t close down when the lights are brilliant.”
With a 12 – 1 document and wishes of progressing deep right into the playoffs, the Dukes prepare to verify their digestive tracts on college football’s most considerable stage.
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