In a recent game, James Madison Dukes defensive lineman Eric O’Neill made a crucial sack against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, helping his team secure a victory in the Boca Raton Bowl. O’Neill’s performance and celebratory actions gained attention on social media.
O’Neill not only celebrated the sack against Hilltoppers quarterback Caden Veltkamp once but multiple times. His actions were noticed by college football fans on various social media platforms.
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James Madison defensive lineman Eric O’Neill, #99, reacts after making a play against Western Kentucky running back Elijah Young during the first half of the Boca Raton Bowl NCAA college football game on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024 in Boca Raton, Florida. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
O’Neill’s standout performance included three tackles, one of which was a sack, contributing to James Madison’s 27-17 win.
“It’s surreal. It’s probably the best moment of my life,” he told ESPN after the win. “We got a bunch of (Football Bowl Championship) guys nobody wanted out of high school. Now, finished the season 9-4, winning bowl games at JMU. You can’t even dream of this.”
Reflecting on his celebrations after the game, O’Neill said, “It was just working hard, getting there and the celebration, I’m a big UFC fan so it was one of those.” He acknowledged that he understood if the opposing team felt the need to retaliate in such situations.
This victory marked the Dukes’ first bowl win since transitioning to the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2022. Former head coach Curt Cignetti led the team during their initial two seasons at the highest level of college football before moving on to Indiana.
James Madison punter Ryan Hanson, rear, center, reacts as James Madison head coach Bob Chesney, front, center, holds the Howard Schnellenberger trophy after defeating Western…agan, Florida. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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Following Cignetti’s departure to coach at Indiana University, Bob Chesney took over as head coach and guided the team to this successful bowl victory.
O’Neill, a redshirt-junior from New York, transferred from Long Island University to James Madison at the start of the 2024 season. He made significant contributions to his team’s success, alongside his fellow teammates.
Western Kentucky quarterback Caden Veltkamp, #10, looks to pass as he is pressured by James Madison cornerback KJ Flowe, #14, and defensive lineman Immanuel Bush, #15, during the second half of the Boca Raton Bowl NCAA college football game on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024 in Boca Raton, Florida. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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O’Neill concluded his first season at James Madison with accolades, including being named a First Team All-Sun Belt Conference defensive lineman. His impressive stats included 13 tackles, 52 total tackles, and an interception returned for a touchdown.
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