James Madison wide receiver Riley Stapleton has been as hot as any offensive weapon in the FCS during the playoffs. On Monday, just two days removed from catching two touchdowns in the FCS semifinals, Stapleton talked to Brian McLaughlin of HERO Sports about his playoff performance so far, and other timely topics
[divider]COMPARE: Any FCS Players | Any FCS Playoff Teams[divider]
STAPLETON PODCAST: Red-hot WR Talks To HERO Sports[divider]
Here is what you have to understand about Riley Stapleton — he didn't even catch a pass in three wins. He caught one ball apiece for short gains against Delaware and Elon. But QB Bryan Schor told us last week in our podcast segment that he knew Stapleton would explode, it was only a matter of time.
Here are Stapleton's stat line in the playoffs:
- 3 catches, 62 yards, 0 TDs vs. Stony Brook
- 8 catches, 189 yards, 1 TD vs. Weber State (game tying TD)
- 5 catches, 70 yards, 2 TDs vs. South Dakota State
Stapleton has doubled his career receiving yardage in the playoffs (321 playoff yards, 508 for the season) as well as his TD production (3 playoff TDs, 5 for the season now). He's having his "moment" when it matters most, something Georgia Tech RB transfer Marcus Marshall is doing, too (331 yards, 4 TDs in quarters & semis).
Now, Stapleton and the Dukes (14-0) pivot to Saturday's FCS championship game against North Dakota State (12-1).
Each week, the JMU football program goes candid on a podcast with HERO Sports' Brian McLaughlin in our feature — Checking In With the Champs.
FCS CROWDS: Who had the biggest this year?[divider]
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JMU receiver Riley Stapleton (10) has caught fire in the FCS Playoffs (JMU Athletics)[/credit]
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OTHER 'CATCHING UP WITH THE CHAMPS' PODCASTS
SCHOR PODCAST: JMU QB Talks With HERO Sports[divider]
PODCAST: Matt Frank talks about his time at JMU, what's next
PODCAST: B-Mac talks with JMU coach Mike Houston (Nov. 28)
PODCAST: Brandon Ravenel talks about his brother coming to JMU, future in Spain
