JMU football’s defensive front dominated headlines in 2023, but the secondary made improvements throughout the season. Among the top contributors for the Dukes in the defensive backfield was Chris Chukwuneke, who now has his sights on making an NFL roster.
The safety/rover was arguably the hardest-hitting defensive back on the Dukes’ roster, finishing the season with 36 tackles, including three tackles for loss. He recorded a critical second-half sack in the team’s comeback win over Virginia.
Chukwuneke isn’t known for his ball skills – the defensive back recorded two interceptions in 50 games played at JMU – but he’s exceptional against the run for a defensive back. He was a tackling machine for the Dukes, even posting a 60-tackle season in 2021.
His game carried over well to the Sun Belt, with him serving as an effective enforcer in the running game. While he doesn’t have high interception totals, Chukwuneke is capable in coverage.
Chris Chukwuneke NFL Draft Stock
It’s possible Chukwuneke sneaks into the late rounds of the NFL Draft, although he likely projects as an undrafted free agent as of mid-February. A strong showing at JMU’s Pro Day could boost his draft stock.
Regardless of where Chukwuneke does or doesn’t go on draft day, the athletic safety with special teams ability should generate professional interest. He’s a physical tackler who plays with good strength. His run-stopping and blitzing ability make him an intriguing prospect at the next level.
Chukwuneke told HERO Sports he’s currently training in Tampa, Florida, at Athlete Innovations. Numerous NFL players and prospects have trained at the gym, and Chukwuneke says he’s focused largely on improving his 40-yard dash time through technique improvements.
Given the defensive back’s physical style, an explosive 40-yard dash (something in the 4.4 range) could certainly catch the eye of NFL scouts.
Dukes In The NFL
If Chukwuneke lands on an NFL roster, he’ll join a growing list of former JMU defensive backs to play at the highest level. Dean Marlowe went undrafted out of JMU in 2015, but he’s bounced around NFL rosters over the last decade. Most notably, Marlowe spent several seasons with the Buffalo Bills.
Raven Greene went undrafted in 2018, but he signed with the Green Bay Packers and spent three seasons with the NFC North team. Jimmy Moreland was drafted in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and he’s spent a few seasons on NFL rosters, including starting his career with Washington.
Chukwuneke’s defensive back teammate, Jarius Reimonenq, also hopes to land on an NFL roster going into the 2024-25 season. Reimonenq recently played in the Tropical Bowl, recording one tackle in the game that’s attended by numerous NFL scouts.
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.
