James Madison will have Thorpe for another season

The local Virginia product will now be listed as a redshirt junior moving
forward in the 2012 season.

During his first year at JMU in 2008, Thorpe suffered a season-ending knee
injury. In the 2010 season opener, he was injured once again versus Morehead
State and missed that season as well.

Although it is not common by the NCAA, if a player has been injured twice
resulting in season-ending problems, there is a possibility for a sixth year of
eligibility.

When healthy, Thorpe has thrived as a starter for the Dukes, compiling an
overall career record of 14-4 versus FCS opponents. This season, he is JMU’s
leading rusher with 261 yards and three touchdowns, and has completed 61-for-98
passes for 728 yards and five scores.

The news comes after JMU’s bye week. The No. 5 Dukes are preparing to host
defending CAA champion Towson at Bridgeforth Stadium on Saturday.