2003 Statistics

Quarterback
Comfort comes once Middie fans will see Aaron Polanco take the field. A stronger all-around athlete than (last year's QB) Craig Candeto, Polanco gives Navy a more proficient runner of the option offense - he's a better runner, and that's not to be confused with just being an operator. Polanco needs to get to where Candeto was in terms of the intangibles; otherwise this offense will surely take a step back. Coach Paul Johnson won't hesitate to yank/rotate him if he doesn't produce. Backup Brian Hampton had a great spring, and, after switching back from slot-back, he is one of the best athletes this team has. Lamar Owens is the best thrower of the group, but you can guess where that lies on the list of priorities in the flexbone (option style) offense.

Running Back
Navy surfaced to the top of the national rushing ranks last season, averaging 323 YPG. Aside from Polanco, they return three backs that averaged over five yards per carry. FB Kyle Eckel is the 1200+ leader of this ground barrage. He's the hammer in this rushing attack, while slotbacks Eric Roberts and Trey Hines are the skillsaws, cutting through defenders like the blade of the forenamed power tool. Hines is listed as a backup, but possessing the fastest legs on the team will put him at the top before long. Both averaged over 8.5 YPC, so big-plays will be an oft-seen commodity. Backup FB Michael Brimage was Navy's featured back until Eckel came along. So now, Brimage gives Eckel a swift change of pace off the sidelines.

Receiver
Not an area of great focus in the flexbone, but when called upon, these snarlers are good for about 20 yards per. Amir Jenkins and Lionel Wesley will be equally called upon, and Jason Tomlinson will see a more involved role. Their greatest assets are providing down-field blocking and the ability to be decoys, giving the backs enough room to move downfield.

Offensive Line
Just two starters return, but the experience and depth in this unit makes up for the lost regulars. Dennis Ray Phillips and Casey Hughes anchor the line, but the new guys will become slightly quicker than their predecessors. Tyson Stahl gives them a nimble tackle. RG Matt McLaughlin is the biggest body along the front (merely 6'6", 295) with a good set of feet. Again, though, speed is the key that turns this offensive machine. Navy has always had accomplished athletes along the front. With time to grow into this offensive unit, this group will give the backfield its chance to repeat as rushing champs.

OFFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
Strong and quick - that about sums it up. Polanco's will be the best option QB in the country! The system works for guys like Aaron, for he has some dynamite flanking him. How many 1000-yard rushers will the Middies produce? Averaging over six per play and converting third-downs at close to a 50% clip in 2003 makes us believe Navy can command similar offensive results this campaign. As soon as the offensive line catches up to where the rest of the group is at, this will again be one of the most potent offenses in the nation. As a wise coach once told me, "the option, run to perfection is impossible to stop". These guys will prove that, like in '03, having the ball for 31+ minutes (which means the opponent has it only 28+) is a key to grounding many unstoppable passing attacks - the best defense is a good offense.

Defensive Line
The tone of any defense is set up front, and in Navy's case, this is true. The Midshipmen, who use a three-man front, bring four guys with quality starting experience. DE Jeremy Chase was switched from OLB midway through the season and it has paid off, giving Navy added quickness to their pass rush. He's strong and determined. He's joined by NG Babatunde Akingbemi, who, while he has gotten stronger in his tenure at Navy, hasn't lost any of his athleticism- the guy can leap 33 inches and run the forty in 4.8. DE Jeff Vanak and backup Pierre Moss supply more quickness on the outside and will make it difficult for opposing teams to beat the Middies around the corner. These guys gave up 4.2 yards per carry (to rank 78th in rushing defense) as the defense allowed a 44% third-down conversion rate against them. Experience will pay off, and Navy will tighten its ship in this unit to make short-yardage situations play out (more often) to their advantage.

Linebacker
"Linebacker Lane" Jackson has lettered twice, earning his starting and tough-guy status (and then some) from his inside post. He's looked at as a leader, and is equally effective against both the run and pass. He and fellow senior Bobby McClarin form a solid interior. The smallish outside guys are good for supplementing the front-three, but the overall level of their play will not be that of the insiders. The Middies shored their depth this spring, as senior T.J. Costello took almost every rep next to Jackson (at ILB) on the first team, while McClarin nursed an injury. Like many LB units that are undersized, these LBs are swift to the point of attack and will give opposing passing games a challenge underneath and in the flats.

Defensive Back
FS Josh Smith, the defensive captain, has led the Midshipmen in tackles each of the last two seasons. The pride of Attica, IN, he jails ball-carriers with sure-tackling and a natural eye for the football. Basically, he makes the field smaller for the entire defense. His leadership will be needed to bring this inexperienced secondary through the first part of the season. Senior Vaughn Kelley is a hard-nosed corner with adequate cover skills. Lord Cole won the (spring) title of most improved player and will challenge Keenan Little for the starting spot opposite Kelley. Johnson loves Cole's speed and feels he will have to be on the field in some way. As long as these guys improve their tackling, the defense will be fine.

DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
Navy won't face off against any offensive juggernauts, so the defense will be sound. They will get swift movement to the ball and consistent tackling. Tackling comes first - they did not do a great job at wrapping up and finishing plays, which (will) negate their speed. They have a good amount of experience coming back (eight starters) and some solid backups in the system. The big question will be the secondary, where they don't get many quality looks against the pass in practice. Navy needs to keep opponents from achieving in the fourth quarter, for this problem in '03 ostensibly led to a few of their losses.