Justin Rascati (2023) - JMU Athletics Hall of Fame - James Madison University Athletics

Justin Rascati

Induction:
2023
Class:
2006

Justin Rascati transferred to JMU from Louisville for his sophomore season in 2004 and became a three-year starter for the Dukes, including guiding the program to its first national championship in 2004. Noted for his passing efficiency, adept running ability and all-around game management, Rascati owns the most wins as a starting quarterback in program history with 29 as part of two trips to the NCAA I-AA playoffs. The 2004 championship run saw JMU become the only team in NCAA history to capture a national title without a home playoff game, as Rascati outdueled three of the top quarterbacks in the nation at Furman, William & Mary and Montana. Rascati orchestrated an epic game-winning drive against the No. 2 seed, Furman, in the quarterfinals, followed by besting No. 3 William & Mary's Walter Payton-winning quarterback in the semifinals. Despite playing in a more run-oriented offense, Rascati ranks fourth in program history with 5,912 passing yards, third with 51 touchdowns, second with 487 completions and fourth with 728 pass attempts. He also ranks fifth in career total offense with 7,111 total yards of production. His two seasons of 2,045 passing yards in 2004 and 2006 ranked in the top 10 season totals until the 2022 season. His 20 passing touchdowns in 2006 were a JMU record until being pushed down the chart by more pass-heavy offenses in the last 10 years. He was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award in 2006 as the best offensive player in I-AA football. After his JMU career, Rascati signed pro contracts with the Chicago Bears and the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL. He then transitioned to a successful coaching career, spending the 2022 season as assistant offensive line coach for the NFC North Division Champion Minnesota Vikings following three seasons as offensive quality control assistant for the Denver Broncos. That followed a collegiate coaching career with stops at Weber State, UT Martin, Tennessee Tech and Chattanooga. In 2019, he was invited to participate in the AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute.