We caught up with Milton Academy offensive lineman Jesse Giddings to discuss his recent commitment to James Madison and why he chose Bob Chesney and the Dukes.

Here is what Jesse had to say about his recent commitment, why he chose JMU and how Milton Academy helped him get there.

NEFJ: Why did you commit to JMU? What made the school and the program the right fit for you?

JG: “The moment I stepped on campus in March I knew it would be home for me.  It was just one of those things where you get there and it’s just a feeling. I knew I was home. And as I continued to learn more about the program and build relationships with the players and coaches it all just justified my belief that JMU was the place to be.  Everyone there is so supportive and truly they are all exceptional people.”

NEFJ: Who are the people who played a part in helping you make the decision to commit to JMU? 

JG: “I would say my family definitely played the biggest part in my decision, but they had always told me that as long as I get to fulfill my dream that is all that matters. They loved JMU just as much as I did.” 

NEFJ: How did Milton Academy prepare you for the opportunity to play in college? What will you take with you to college? 

JG: ” Milton got me used to living on my own in a dorm and got me accustomed to a higher level of freedom and responsibility.  Without Milton I would have never made it to JMU. My coaches at Milton also were the ones who made me physically capable of getting to the next level especially my Strength Coach Steve Darling.”

NEFJ: Has the coaching staff at JMU given you any indication of when you will be able to compete for the starting job? 

JG: “Obviously I will always see myself as competing for the starting job from the second I move in, but I know that my first year is going to be a big year for me to get the playbook down, so that potentially sophomore year and on I have a legitimate shot at being a real change maker in the offense.”

NEFJ: Have you thought about what you are going to be majoring in? 

JG: “I will most likely be majoring in something on the business side of things. Potentially marketing or maybe finance.”

NEFJ: How relieved are you to be done with the recruiting process? 

JG: “I am super relieved to be out of the recruiting process. It’s a cut throat deal that not many understand besides the guys who are actively going through it.  I definitely felt a lot of weight leave my shoulders when I committed.”

NEFJ: Has it sunk in yet that you are going to live out your childhood dream and play college football?

JG: “It definitely has. I have known for a while that I would commit to JMU but all I was missing was the offer.  It was just amazing to be able to commit in front of Coach Chesney and share that same excitement with my family that I had been holding in for so long.”