2002 Statistics

written by James Johnson

The success of an offense usually starts with its quarterback, and Army has two talented young signal callers.

The returning starter is junior Reggie Nevels. Nevels, who was troubled by an injured hamstring most of 2002, is a mobile quarterback with a strong arm. He was the Black Knights' third leading rusher despite his limited playing time and threw only five interceptions, but in 102 passes. Head coach Todd Berry likes his field vision and his overall knowledge of the game. After leaving the Army football program in February due to personal reasons, Nevels has re-joined the club.

Backing up Nevels is sophomore Zac Dahman. When Nevels was injured, Dahman became the first freshman ("plebe" in military terms) to start at quarterback for Army since 1987. Dahman's 353 yards passing against Houston was the second highest single-game total in school history. His completion rate was only 48.4%, but the coaching staff feels he has the accuracy to become a strong pocket passer - this ripple would surely give the Cadets a few more wins annually.

Returning as the featured running back this season is sophomore Carlton Jones. He moved his way up from third string to earn the starting role midway through 2002 and led the team in rushing with 657 yards. Jones' average was only 3.8 yards per carry, but he did show the ability to burst through the line with authority. Jones also developed into a receiving threat late in the season. He will need to stay healthy and be able to handle 15-20 carries per game. The Black Knights don't have much depth behind him.

Army has two experienced wide receivers, juniors William White and Aaron Alexander. White is by far the best breakaway threat on the roster, and he led the team with a 17.5-yard average per catch. Alexander is a tough possession receiver, utilizing his height to effectively make catches in traffic. He is also a tenacious blocker.

The offensive line could be a problem. Army has only one returning starter from last year, junior tackle Joel Glover. Even with their experience last season, the line could only lead the running game to a poor 3.4-yard average per carry. They were a good pass-blocking group, but that is in question at least until the new starters show if they can jell as a unit.

QB Reggie Nevels

written by James Johnson

Army has eight of 2002's starters back. Coming from a unit that allowed 41 points and almost 400 yards per game, that is at best a mixed blessing.

Last season's top performer, senior linebacker Ryan Kent, returns as the unit's leader. He led the team in tackles last season and is the closest thing the Black Knights have to a big-play defender. He plays the "bandit" spot in Army's blitzing 4-4 defensive scheme, and his six passes defended led the team, too.

Another impact player for Army's stop unit is junior safety Lucius Weaver. The second leading returning tackler, Weaver is the DBs' biggest hitter. He plays the run very well - his five TFLs are a very high number for a defensive back.

The Black Knights return two key starters on the defensive line, junior end Keenan Beasley and junior tackle Will Sullivan. Beasley was second on the team with 4.5 sacks. He has tremendous speed and quickness coming off the edge of the line, and pressures opposing quarterbacks amply. The coaches are expecting him to improve his run stopping. Sullivan is also a strong pass-rusher and a solid run stopper who has a good nose for the football but is a little undersized. This is typical with many of the men in military football service. Sullivan also has good pursuit skills for a defensive lineman.

This is a defense that needs to make the play(s) when needed, both big and small. They allowed opponents an alarming 4.4 yards per rushing attempt, and only intercepted six passes in 12 games.

LB Ryan Kent