Dallas Cowboys | My Thoughts on QB Ben DiNucci & My Dark Horse For 2020!!!

NFL Draft prospects during this college bowl season and some could have a lasting impact on the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft. One of those prospects is James Madison University’s quarterback Ben DiNucci. The talented signal-caller just wrapped up a great college career with a heartbreaking 28-20 loss to North Dakota State in the FCS Championship game this past Saturday. Below I will take a look at DiNucci’s fantastic career with the Dukes and profile his journey from small school stud to legitimate 2020 NFL Draft prospect. The former Pittsburgh Panther transfer has evolved into a potential late-round pick after an up-and-down start to his college football career. Storied prep career brings high expectations Before he became an NFL Draft prospect, DiNucci was a decorated high school player at Pine-Richland in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. He was named the Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of Year and the first player in the history of Pennsylvania football to throw for 4,000 yards in a season. During his senior season, DiNucci threw for over 4,200 yards and a mind-boggling 46 touchdowns. The talented DiNucci is a tremendous athlete and showcased that in high school. He was a dual-sport star who also excelled on the basketball court. His athletic accolades earned him the number ten overall spot on ESPN’s top prospect list, and he would eventually decide to continue his local hero role and enroll at Pittsburgh to begin his college career. DiNucci’s highly anticipated college career started slowly, as he redshirted his freshman season and only played in two games as a redshirt sophomore for the Panthers. The following year, he started six games as a redshirt sophomore after replacing injured starter Max Browne. The results were mixed, as DiNucci threw for 1,091 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions. He was able to make some gutsy plays for the team, but never established himself as a star and was replaced the following season by current Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett. Following his redshirt sophomore season at Pitt, DiNucci decided to transfer and enroll at James Madison University to continue his education and playing career. His arrival was a tremendous get for the Dukes, and it was undoubtedly a match made in heaven for the two sides. In his first year as a starter for James Madison in 2018, DiNucci once again struggled some en route to 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. However, he showcased his great athleticism again and running ability with 433 yards and nine scores on the ground. As DiNucci entered his redshirt senior season in 2019, expectations were very high once again for the talented quarterback. There was a noticeable improvement for DiNucci in his final season, as he completed over 70% of his passes for 3,441 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also cut his interception total in half with only six thrown this past season. DiNucci also ran for 569 yards and seven more scores as he showed off what a great NFL Draft prospect he has turned himself into as he closed out his final collegiate season. Unique prospect making a name for himself Regardless of the rocky start to his career, DiNucci established himself as a winner with James Madison. He compiled a 23-6 record over two seasons, including an appearance in the FCS championship this year. DiNucci’s play-style lends himself to potential turnovers and miscues, but he plays with grit, determination, and improvisation. He has decent size for the position and a live arm that can make most throws at the NFL level. DiNucci’s arm strength can lead to big plays downfield as evidenced by this Hail Mary throw to end the half against Weber State.