OFFENSE

Navy has earned eight straight bowl berths with six different starting quarterbacks during that span. So the coaching staff is confident that senior Kriss Proctor can continue the streak. Proctor performed admirably whenever called upon the past two seasons. The 6'1", 200-pound lefthander has played in 11 games with three starts and showed superb running ability along with solid command of the triple-option offense.

The Midshipmen return two of their top three rushers in fullback Alexander Teich and slotback Gee Gee Greene. Teich had a breakout campaign in 2010, rushing for 863 yards and five touchdowns despite starting only seven games. Greene took over as the go-to slot and had a strong sophomore season, rushing for 492 yards and catching 18 passes for 286 yards.Junior Brandon Turner and sophomore Matt Aiken have shown the potential to replace Greg Jones as playmakers at wide receiver. Turner (6'4", 200) has great size and the ability to go get the ball, while Aiken has proven a dangerous runner either on reverses or getting yards after the catch.

Interior blocking is the key to success in the triple-option offense, and Navy returns guards Josh Cabral and John Dowd along with center Brady DeMell, each of whom started all 13 games a year ago.

DEFENSE

Navy lost nine of 11 starters from a defense that was a strength in 2010. Anchoring a young, inexperienced unit will be senior Jabaree Tuani, who will go down as one of the finest defensive ends in program history. The 6'1", 265-pound Tennessee native has been an unstoppable force since assuming a starting role five games into his freshman campaign. Strong, powerful and relentless with surprising speed coming off the edge, Tuani ranks fifth all-time at Navy with 10.5 career sacks and sixth with 30 tackles for a loss.

Linebacker is an area of concern as the Mids must rebuild a unit that is required to make the majority of tackles in the team’s 3-4 alignment. Seniors Caleb King and Max Blue combined to start 10 games at inside linebacker in 2010, but both are being pushed by a pair of juniors from Missouri — Matt Warrick and Matt Brewer. Seniors Jarred Shannon and Mason Graham emerged from spring camp as the outside starters after playing exclusively on special teams in 2010.

Navy’s secondary was decimated by graduation with four-year starting safety Wyatt Middleton (322 career tackles) by far the biggest loss. Senior cornerback Kwesi Mitchell is the lone returning starter and will be surrounded by youngsters who primarily played special teams in 2010.
 

SPECIALISTS

Navy lost its starting placekicker and punter. There is, however, a proven performer at kicker since senior Jon Teague has plenty of game experience, having booted 21-of-21 extra point tries and 3-of-4 field goals while filling in for Joe Buckley. Projected punter Justin Haan has never appeared in a varsity game and was inconsistent during spring practice.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Navy has proven it can replace individual parts and keep the victory machine humming. The Midshipmen have put together eight straight winning seasons capped by bowl berths, and there is no reason to believe that remarkable run of success will end in 2011. However, another winning season and bowl berth won’t be enough to satisfy coach Ken Niumatalolo or the Midshipmen, who want desperately to reclaim the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy as champion of the service academy competition with Air Force and Army.