CATIE HARPER Daily News-Record

HARRISONBURG — Maybe there wasn’t ever a doubt he’d be back by the season opener.

Nine months ago, James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett III limped off the field.

His season was in jeopardy, but he didn’t know that just yet.

Barnett was still telling himself and the people around him that he could retake the field if needed.

The diagnosis didn’t come until later — a torn ACL.

Barnett’s first season as the Dukes’ starting quarterback was over and he wouldn’t have the chance to lead the program into its second-ever bowl game.

In most cases, it takes an athlete 9-12 months following surgery to return to the field.

For Barnett, the messaging was always similar — but vague.

“He’s ahead of schedule,” the coaches often repeated in some variation.

Barnet

See Full Page