HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – A pair of James Madison standouts were named to the 2024 College Football Network Preseason All-America Team in punter Ryan Hanson and offensive lineman Cole Potts.
Hanson was honored as a First Team Preseason All-American, while Potts was selected to the Second Team. Additionally, Hanson was recognized as CFN’s Preseason National Punter of the Year.
Hanson, a five-time Ray Guy Award Watch List honoree and 2023 CFN Second Team All-American, averaged 40.6 yards per punt last year on 59 attempts with 29 punts inside the 20 and only two touchbacks. That included all seven punts inside the 11 with three downed at the one in JMU’s win at Marshall. Hanson also earned 2023 Second Team All-Sun Belt and VaSID All-State accolades.
Potts, a four-year starter at right guard, was a 2023 Second Team All-State awardee after being named JMU’s Offensive Lineman of the Year. He and the offensive line aided JMU in ranking top 30 nationally in six offensive categories, which included tied for sixth in passing touchdowns (36), 13th in pass efficiency rating (162.6), completion percentage (67.3%), 17th in yards per pass attempt (8.6), 20th in passing yards (284.8) and 23rd in scoring offense (34.1). JMU led the Sun Belt in yards per pass attempt, passing touchdowns and pass efficiency.
In addition to its Preseason All-America Team, CFN also announced its Preseason All-Sun Belt Team, with five Dukes being honored.
Hanson, Potts and cornerback Chauncey Logan were First Team selections, while running back Ayo Adeyi and offensive lineman Tyshawn Wyatt were on the Second Team. Hanson also took home Preseason Sun Belt Specialist of the Year accolades.
— JMU Athletics —