JMU’s block association

Question: Who are Theo Sherman, Arthur Walker, Scott Lemn, Dorian

Brooks and Terrence Apted?

Answer: While their names aren't mentioned often, these are the starting offensive linemen for James Madison, and the guys who are chiefly responsible for most of the exploits of quarterback Rodney Landers.

"I don't think I'm the player I am without them," said Landers, who is a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, given annually to the best player in Football Championship Subdivision. "They're tremendous.

"Everybody talks about how in the fourth quarter, I seem to be a different player, but I truthfully believe it's my linemen up front. They're able to fire off the ball at the end of the game and have great leg drive.

"They create seams for me to make plays down the field. They protect me well in the pocket and allow me to make passes and move this team. I think they're as big a part of this success as anybody else on this team."

Brooks, who starred on the offensive and defensive lines for Highland Springs High before enrolling at JMU, has gotten an up-close-and-personal view of Landers, who will lead the Dukes (12-1) against Montana (13-1) in an FCS semifinal Friday night (8) in Harrisonburg, the past two seasons.

"He's an incredible playmaker," Brooks said of his quarterback, who has accounted for 37 touchdowns and 3,205 yards rushing and passing this season.

"A lot of people don't know it, but if we do make a mistake, he'll easily make us look better with his ability. A lot of our blocking does have to do with him and the running backs, but at the same time, there's some things that he just does on his own, which is fascinating to me.

"He makes it a lot more fun to be an offensive linemen by what he does."

JMU coach Mickey Matthews has enjoyed watching the execution of Landers and his offensive line the past 12 games, all wins.

"Those guys have really played well all year," Matthews said. "Scott Lemn is the leader of the group, a three-year starter for us. But the guy that has really come out of the pack is Dorian Brooks. He played last year, did OK, but this year, he's been really an excellent football player. He's really improved dramatically.

"All five of them have been very consistent and done a nice job."

Although Apted and Sherman switched sides of the line, Walker is the only newcomer to the unit, which has avoided injuries this season.

"It definitely helps to play together, building that chemistry," Brooks said. "Even from the beginning of camp and throughout the season, everybody gets better as each game goes on. Guys know who can take on which block or if one guy can go off and get the linebacker."

The 6-3, 285-pound junior was recruited as a defensive player but moved to offense when he got to JMU.

Brooks was part of the "O-line ATM" for the Springers, who had three straight 9-1 seasons while he was there.

Now it's strictly offense for Brooks, and it doesn't bother him if Landers receives all the recognition and the linemen remain anonymous.

"We're an unselfish bunch," he said. "We don't care about publicity. We're more concerned about winning and making sure we're executing on all of our plays.

"We get more pride in talking to each other after the game about what we've done. Getting a pancake block on somebody or who played the best in that game."
Contact John Packett at (804) 649-6313 or .