JMU’s Reggie Brown and Elijah Sarratt each surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in 2023, putting up stellar numbers in the Dukes’ efficient passing offense. While overshadowed at times, Phoenix Sproles was a reliable weapon in the slot for the Dukes last fall.
Sproles hopes to follow in his family’s footsteps, landing on an NFL roster next season. His cousin, Darren, played numerous seasons in the NFL as a change-of-pace running back with good hands. Sproles’ step father, Willie Howard, previously played for the Minnesota Vikings.
The wide receiver isn’t afraid of the biggest stage, and his performance at North Dakota State and JMU make him a candidate to earn an NFL opportunity. It’s possible he gets selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, but if not, he could earn an undrafted free agent deal or a mini camp tryout.
Reliability
Sproles isn’t the fastest or strongest receiver at the Group of Five level, but he made the right play for JMU in 2023. He doesn’t waste movement after catching a pass, which helped him convert first downs for the Dukes last season. While some players dance around trying to make defenders miss, Sproles uses quick and efficient movement to maximize his yards after the catch.
He has sure hands, and he never lost a fumble across 50 career games with NDSU and JMU. He caught 52 passes for 442 yards and five touchdowns for JMU in 2023, serving as a reliable option for short and intermediate throws.
As a blocker, Sproles performs better than you might expect given his frame (he’s about 6-foot and 200 pounds). He’s a physical, capable run blocker as a wide receiver. He does well to lock into defensive backs and allow for running backs and receivers to gain extra yards, and he does so while avoiding costly holding penalties. His football IQ is evident, as he often does the little things exceptionally well.
He’s capable of playing special teams, and he can be used in jet sweeps effectively. Given Sproles’ ability to contribute in multiple ways, it’s likely NFL teams will be interested in giving him a chance to make their roster.
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Big-Game Performances
Sproles showed up in key moments for JMU last season, catching seven passes (including a touchdown) in the team’s 36-35 win over Virginia, a Power Five program. He played arguably his best football in the second half of the season, and he was dynamic in the team’s final two games.
Against Coastal Carolina, Sproles caught 11 passes for 99 yards in the Dukes’ 42-point blowout win over the Chanticleers. The win ensured JMU would finish the season atop the Sun Belt East standings. The performance was still somehow overshadowed, as Elijah Sarratt scored four touchdowns in the game.
In JMU’s first bowl game, Sproles was one of the team’s bright spots. Despite losing to Air Force, JMU leaned on Sproles through the air. He caught five passes for 55 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Sproles didn’t have a ton of splash plays in 2023, as he wasn’t the team’s home-run threat. He was, however, as reliable a receiving option as JMU had on its roster. He caught balls thrown his way and blocked well.
While Sproles likely won’t draw major headlines this draft season, he holds the potential to make an NFL roster.
Bennett Conlin is a college football contributor for HERO Sports, and he works full-time covering sports betting industry news and legislation for Sports Handle and US Bets.
