Madison High graduate finishes college football career

Sam Kidd was a Madison High School football star who suffered a shoulder injury in October. He was wearing street clothes and watched from the sidelines during a recent college football match. His James Madison University (JMU)team finished its first season in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Kidd, a JMU defensive back since 2017, played a minor role in the Dukes’ victory at home over nationally-ranked Coastal Carolina (23rd at that time). As Coastal Carolina was on offense in the first period, Kidd’s video was displayed on the scoreboard at the east end of the stadium. He urged home fans to get loud.

Kidd stated, “I saw that.” “I never noticed anything like it on the sideline when I was playing.” It was great to see.

The day was filled with fun as James Madison beat Coastal Carolina 47-7 to end the season 8-3. Because of their transition from the lower levels, the Dukes aren’t eligible to play in college bowl games.

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Madison participated in the 2020 lower-level national championship game. Madison then left Colonial Athletic Association to join the Sun Belt Conference in 2021. This team was already ranked among the top 25 earlier in this season.

Kidd, who was a walk-on for JMU, was recognized on senior day. His parents Dave and Alease were there, as was his brother Max, who was also a Madison High graduate and was then a manager at JMU baseball while he was still a student.

“Really, it’s just a journey that will stick out to you the most. “This is my sixth year,” Kidd, a redshirt senior, said. It all flew by quickly. Since my freshman year, a lot has happened. I have had the opportunity to play with a few different coaches. It is the most memorable thing about being a walk on and getting to participate in those games.

Kidd suffered a shoulder injury against Marshall University on Oct. 22. He had surgery a week later. His final season stats included 31 tackles and one fumble recovery from seven games.

Kidd was not surprised by how well the Dukes performed in their 51st season.

Kidd stated, “In the past, we played many FBS games and went in to win them all the time. That is how we prepared.”

In the fall 2021, Kidd graduated JMU with a bachelor’s in communication studies. He then enrolled at graduate school.

Curt Cignetti, JMU coach, stated that Sam is the one who leads by his actions. “Some men lead by their words, while others lead by their actions. Sam plays the way that you want everyone to play.”

Kidd was a part of 42 games in his JMU career. Kidd recorded 112 tackles with eight losses and a sack. He also had one interception and one fumble recovery. He also forced two fumbles. Kidd recorded a career-high 11 tackles. He also broke up three passes last season in a quarterfinal playoff match. In the semifinals, he had eight tackles.

He was among several Madison High School alumni who attended JMU in recent times to play in different sports.

Ryan Murphy and Kyle Novak, both Madison High graduates, have also played at JMU sports in recent years. Additionally, Kyle Hayes played at Madison High and JMU in baseball. Samantha Gjormand (a Madison High graduate) ended her tenure as a manager for JMU baseball and is now a part of the College of Charleston’s baseball coaching staff.

Kidd, a high school football player for Madison Warhawks, was named the Liberty District Defensive Player-of-the-Year as a senior. He was also selected all-state. In high school, he also played basketball.

Kidd is now weighing his options for what the future holds for him both on and off the field.