James Madison's Justin Thorpe began the season splitting time at quarterback, and took over as the fulltime starter midway through the year following an injury to Drew Dudzik.

The freshman finished the season as the Colonial Athletic Association's offensive rookie of the year.

The conference announced its postseason awards Monday. Thorpe was one of two JMU players to receive individual honors, as senior defensive end Arthur Moats was named CAA Defensive Player of the Year.

Thorpe led JMU in rushing with 654 yards and five touchdowns, and also threw for 1,260 yards and six scores.

Moats led Division I college football in tackles for a loss, averaging 2.14 per game. His 90 tackles were tops on JMU, and he finished tied for the CAA lead with 11 sacks.

He is the sixth JMU player to win conference defensive player of the year honors under coach Mickey Matthews.

Moats was also one of two Dukes named first-team All-CAA. He was joined by senior offensive lineman Dorian Brooks.

Senior defensive lineman Sam Daniels was named second-team all-conference, as was senior Scotty McGee, at three different positions: cornerback, kick returner and punt returner.

JMU also put five players on the third team: seniors Rockeed McCarter (receiver) and Mike Caussin (tight end); juniors Theo Sherman (offensive line) and Ronnell Brown (defensive line); and sophomore linebacker Pat Williams.