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In case you didn’t know, the Midshipmen feature the triple-option and a great deal of misdirection. For their offense to succeed, they must have highly intelligent players in all facets of their offense.
With this team particularly, they definitely have the intelligence part down and the experience to go with it.
Navy has been a powerhouse when it comes to their rushing attack. They ranked fourth in the Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing yards (4342) and rushing touchdowns (61).
Starting Offense:
QB Zach Abey
SB Malcolm Perry
SB Darryl Bonner
FB Chris High
Z-WR Tyler Carmona
X-WR Brandon Colon
LT Jake Hawk
LG Robert Lindsey
C Parker Wade
RG Evan Martin
RT Andrew Wood
Quarterback
During the 2016 season, Abey played in five games, starting in two. His first career start came against Army. He went 6-for-10, passing for 89 yards, throwing two interceptions, while rushing for 73 yards and two touchdowns. In his second start, Abey fared much better. He went 7-for-12, passing for 159 yards with one touchdown, zero interceptions, all while rushing for 114 yards and two touchdowns against Louisiana Tech in the Armed Forces Bowl. Abey has a great deal of talent and he proved that in his last start. The key is being able to carry that into his first full season as the starter.
Fullback/Slotbacks
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High is Navy’s go-to option at fullback. Last season, he started in eight games (playing in 11). He rushed for 546 yards and seven touchdowns on 85 attempts.
Perry only played in three games last season, but on his 73 yards rushing in 2016, he averaged 8.1 yards per carry. Bonner proved that he was all-purpose back last season, totaling 505 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns.
Wide Receiver
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Despite losing Jamir Tillman, who had 91 catches for 1,626 yards and 10 touchdowns, Navy’s receivers can still make noise. In small sample size, Carmona and Colon have made big plays. Carmona played in five games, catching six passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 21.3 yards per catch. Colon also played in five games, making six receptions for 149 yards and one touchdown, averaging 24.8 yards per catch.
Offensive Line
Four out of five starters will return for the Midshipman. Lindsey, Wade, Martin and Wood started last season. Although Hawk hasn’t made any starts, he has the size, standing in at 6’6, 312 lbs. They will lead the Midshipmen into the 2017 season as a very stable and extremely disciplined group.