James Madison's preseason football camp doesn't start for more than a month, but some players are getting a head start on the upcoming season.

At least two dozen Dukes were on the turf at Bridgeforth Stadium Friday morning for a voluntary workout, organized by the team's strength and conditioning staff.

At one end of the field, offensive skill position players were challenging linebackers and defensive backs in pass skeleton drills. At the other, offensive and defensive linemen were running through agility drills.

The workouts, which happen a few times a week, are organized by JMU's strength and conditioning staff. Head coach Mickey Matthews and his staff aren't permitted to be on hand by NCAA rules.

But the workouts are run mostly by veteran players, like senior offensive lineman Dorian Brooks.

"It's been more competitive this year, than any other year I've been here," Brooks said Friday morning.

"Everybody's joking, for the most part," said senior defensive tackle Dominique White. "But ultimately, in the end, it's all about competition. Who's winning, who's losing."

"Guys are really fighting, everyday," said Brooks. "Guys want to improve from last year, and we have a younger team so guys really want to play."

"We were putting it on the defense. They were getting a little upset," said junior quarterback Drew Dudzik. "You saw competition. Everyone wants to win, and everyone's fighting for spots. Everyone's just working hard and getting better."