2006 Statistics

What exactly coach Johnson does out of his triple-option schemes isn’t easy to follow, and ranking their complex (yet predictable) running game in the nation’s top three for the past five years proves how hard it is to stop. What Navy does is comparable to a current-day spread attack, though here it relies mostly on ball-fakes and misdirection through two- and three-back running formations (instead of through four-and five-WR sets) to open things up. And since they throw it far less than any other I-A team (112 pass attempts; only Air Force also threw it under 200 times [146]) while featuring a stellar line that barely lists two guys over 275 lbs, the execution and precision needed to succeed so effectively and consistently is now a proven commodity under Johnson. The line only has two returning starters, but with most patiently working their way up for (what becomes) an eventual two year stint, OL turnover is common here and doesn’t normally affect the running game’s potency. Juniors Andrew McGinn (RT) and Anthony Gaskins (G/C) are great examples of this, and McGinn’s proven worth via starting experience last year means little worries on the outside since senior starter Josh Meeks is expected back at full strength (ACL torn in last game of ’06) at the all-important left tackle slot. Center Antron Harper is considered the team’s most talented lineman – his leadership in commanding the blocking matchups/schemes cannot be overlooked for why Navy always seems like a well oiled machine. The anonymous nature of how the running assignments break down is a true testimonial to the word ‘teamwork’. Fullback Adam Ballard is a bull, knocking would-be tacklers over as both the team’s leading ball-carrier and a daunting lead blocker. Backup Eric Kettani also lays the wood in this oft-used role, but little development/talent behind him means health issues at FB would prove detrimental. Senior slot back Reggie Campbell is just as dangerous downfield and/or in the flat as he is exploding out of the backfield, and classmate Zerbin Singleton proves he has the same dual worth with such a strong showing this spring. But Shun White will be the biggest difference-maker – this former prep all-state track star averaged 12 yards per his 48 carries in ‘06 and displays the toughness of Ballard with the speed of Campbell. The extensive list of other SB contributors exemplifies how Johnson is always ready to rotate in fresh, unknown sets of legs for optimal effect. QB Jarod Bryant (Mr. Football, Alabama - 2004) impressed this spring with his arm, so we expect his presence on the field will increase the chances Navy throws…but his legs cannot be ignored, either. Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada’s is the likely face behind center come August – his 4-2 mark as a fill-in starter last season has many excited for how much farther this team can likely go with Ballard, Campbell and White making it impossible to stop this offense. Downfield blocking assignments are the main fodder for the receiving corps, but O.J. Washington, Tyree Barnes and (6’4, 239) Curtis Sharp are formidable targets who likely see the rock a bit more with the two sufficient delivery men at QB. Kanheaku-Enhada sat out much of the action during spring drills due to shoulder problems, but his return in full by fall will signal that the Midshipmen are fully healthy and ready to again use their ball-control approach to grind down bigger opponents weekly.

In allowing only six foes last year to score more than 20 points – and only two to go over 30 – Navy shows how their 3-4 alignment keeps the play in front of them effectively within their bend-but-don’t-break philosophy. The excessive turnover in personnel this offseason has meant plenty of competition for the nine open starter’s slots, and it bodes well, accordingly, that the defense(s) ruled the spring game. Nose tackle Nate Frazier is good enough to be one of only two underclassmen to earn starts – the athletic Atlanta-native is bound to constantly see double-teams since he is the only lineman on the two-deep to weigh in over 260 lbs. Senior Chris Kuhar-Pitters has excellent strength and decent speed off the corner, and backup Casey Hebert brings quality depth as a senior leader for the rebuilding effort here. But due to the fact that (with his two tackles in ’06) junior end Michael Walsh has the most experience of the three front line starters, we’ll see lots of learning on the job and likely a step down in quality (initially) from what was the nation’s No.38 run defense. Ex-wrestling champ Clint Sovie is their junior ILB whose speed makes him like an extra DB. As the only returning starter in the front seven, Sovie is joined by three seniors who aren’t green at all despite their new (starting) status. Outside guy Matt Wimsatt’s shoulder is healing well, and insider Irv Spencer adds needed girth for neutralizing those BCS-aligned opponents. Depth at LB has huge potential, too, though injuries amongst the starters would mean a step back. Junior corner Rashawn King is their only other returning starter on defense, and the upside for the six-footer is still being realized. Senior Greg Thrasher is back after missing last year (academics), making this a decent pair of cover guys. Ketric Buffin, who could start if needed, is a quality nickel back, but beyond him, there is a dropoff in both experience and talent. Heady senior safety Jeff Deliz is as effective in run support as he is over the deep middle, and rover Blake Carter earns the only other starting slot for a soph on the team after his limited role as a true frosh proved to many why he was such a sought after prospect. Depth at safety is scant, too, but there are plenty of eager, young Middies willing to step up and show why this defense is annually worth more than the sum of its parts. The second game at Rutgers needs to be used as a modest measuring stick for what is still needed for this D to keep Navy competitive against those bigger foes (Pitt, Wake Forest, Notre Dame). The talent is there for this group to be special…if they can just gel before Air Force visits at the end of September.