Navy: Paul Johnson is slowly starting to fade into the back of the memory of Navy fans and midshipmen alike. Johnson bolted for the greener pastures at Georgia Tech in 2007 leaving behind a solid program that had the reputation of being the best out of the three service academies. Enter Coach Ken Niumatalolo. Niumatalolo’s first full year on the job (he coached Navy’s bowl game in 2007) exceeded the expectations of many as he guided the Midshipmen to an 8-5 record and earned a bid to play in the inaugural Eagle Bank Bowl.
This season will prove to be much more challenging as Navy looks to continue their six straight winning season run. Their schedule is one of the toughest for the service academies as they kick-off the season against BCS bowl bound Ohio State University. Throw in Pittsburgh, Wake Forest and Notre Dame in the mix, and the Midshipmen will have their hands full.
Last season, Navy stuck to their traditional ground attack and led the nation in rushing yards per game. Questions abound on offense as record setting QB, Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada, has graduated but the Midshipmen seem to have a capable replacement in Georgia native Jr. Ricky Dobbs. Dobbs played in seven games for Navy last year when Kaheaku-Enhada was battling an injury and turned in solid performances including a 224 rushing yard day against SMU. Navy has potent pieces to the option offense with splitback Cory Finnerty and fullback Alex Teich. Although a fullback, Teich has the speed to become a legitimate big play threat on offense. In addition to Teich and Finnerty, Navy has depth at the running back position that will offer different looks depending on the runner’s strength. Slot back Bobby Doyle and Marcus Curry are both big play potentials who will make some heads turn on the field.
Navy’s identity on offense is the running game and it shows as the Midshipmen finished next to last nationally by averaging a mere 60 yards a game through the air. Ricky Dobbs has the tools to become one of the better passers at Navy in recent memory and he has a solid target in senior wideout Mario Washington. Offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper is drawing up new plays to utilize Dobbs’ strong and accurate arm. Don’t be surprised if you see the passing game numbers grow through the season.
Navy’s defense returns three starters on the defensive line that will be led by left end Jabaree Tuani. Tuani had a team leading 9 tackles for a loss last season. The unquestionable leader on the Navy defense is senior linebacker Ross Pospisil. Pospisil is an emotional leader and plays with ferocious intensity. He amassed 106 tackles, 4 pass deflections, 2 interceptions and forced three fumbles last season. The man is a beast. And if that is not enough, he will have senior Clint Stovie lining up right beside him. Stovie ended the season on a high note by having double digit tackles in the team’s last five contests. The secondary is young, but lead by Jr. safety Wyatt Middleton, arguably Navy’s best defender.
If all goes as expected, Navy should roll into Philadelphia to face Army and win their 7th consecutive Commander-In-Chief trophy. The horizon is bright for Navy and they should continue to steam (no pun intended) full speed ahead.
