BALTIMORE (Map, News) - QUARTERBACKS

B+ Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada passed for 952 yards and ran for 834 yards, as he accounted for 19 touchdowns. Backup Jarod Bryant also proved he could run the triple-option offense as he replaced the injured Kaheaku-Enhada during several games, including in a 35-24 win over Northern Illinois. He threw for 252 yards, ran for 463 and scored five touchdowns.

RUNNING BACKS

A The unit, which lacked star power, excelled as whole, and was as dominant as any in the country. The Midshipmen had five running backs rush for at least 480 yards, including fullbacks Eric Kettani (880 yards, 10 TDs ) and Adam Ballard (665, 5) and slot backs Zerbin Singleton (484, 10), Shun White (629, 8) and Reggie Campbell (522, 9). Campbell also led the team with 13 receptions for 242 yards and four touchdowns. Navy also will likely finish the year leading the nation in rushing for an NCAA-record third straight year as it averaged 348.7 yards per game.

RECEIVERS

B O.J. Washington made the most of his few opportunities, as he finished with 12 catches for 246 yards — an average of 20.5 yards per reception. Tyree Barnes was second with 10 catches for 168 yards and a touchdown. However, Navy’s receivers are judged more on their blocking, not catching.

OFFENSIVE LINE

A Center Antron Harper, left tackle Josh Meek, left guard Anthony Gaskins, right guard Ben Gabbard and right tackle Paul Bridgers anchored a line that gave Navy one of the most feared rushing games in the country. The undersized group did a solid job of protecting Bryant and Kahaeku-Enhada by allowing just 13 sacks in 13 games.

DEFENSIVE LINE

D Michael Walsh led the unit with 57 tackles and three sacks, and nose guard Nate Frazier contributed 41 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Still, Navy had a hard time pressuring the quarterback, recording just 12 sacks in 13 games, but did play better as the season progressed.

LINEBACKERS

C- Irv Spencer finished with a team-high 91 tackles and a sack, but more importantly, took over the role as defensive captain after safety Jeff Deliz suffered a season-ending ankle injury against Rutgers during the second game of the season. Navy also had several young and inexperienced players make big strides, especially sophomore linebackers Ram Vela (57 tackles) and Ross Pospisil (65 tackles, 1 interception).

SECONDARY

C- An injury-depleted secondary regularly surrendered big passing plays — a major reason why the team finished 8-5 for the second straight year. Navy allowed the opposition to average 263.3 passing yards per game, despite facing few good quarterbacks. Along with Deliz, juniors Ketric Buffin (team-high four interceptions) and Rashawn King also missed games due to injuries. Safety Wyatt Middleton was the unit’s biggest bright spot, as his 87 tackles— second-most on the team — were the most by a plebe in school history.

SPECIAL TEAMS

B+ Navy had two pretty good, but not great, kickers. Joey Bullen made 11-of-16 field goals and 43-of-45 extra-point attempts. Matt Harmon made 6-of-10 field goal tries and all 15 of his extra-point attempts. The big lift on special teams came from Campbell, who had two kickoff returns for touchdowns. Prior to this year, Navy had not return a kick for a score in more than a decade. His 98-yard return for a touchdown against Army was a school record.

COACHING

A Navy lost Coach Paul Johnson when he resigned earlier this month to take over at Georgia Tech, but not before he led the Midshipmen to an 8-4 record, including winning the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy for a fifth straight season and beating Notre Dame for the first time since 1963. He guided the Midshipmen to a school-record fifth straight bowl game despite having a young defense that allowed opponents to average more than 35 points per game and gave up more points than any team in school history. Navy’s defense, however, opened the year with nine first-year starters and showed tremendous improvement the second half of the season. Ken Niumatalolo, the team’s former offensive line/assistant head coach, who took over for Johnson, did an excellent job preparing Navy for the Poinsettia Bowl, as the Midshipmen nearly pulled off the upset before losing to Utah, 35-32. He also retained most of the assistants and the program is in great shape entering 2008.

OVERALL

B+ Navy will graduate eight starters on offense this spring, but the program has always rebounded from losing key players. Navy’s young defense should be much-improved next year after gaining confidence by playing well during the season’s final stretch that included four victories in the last five games.

The Niumatalolo era is here, and only time will team if Johnson’s longtime disciple can maintain what it becoming the most successful span in the school history.

rsnyder@baltimoreexaminer.com

Comments from Examiner Readers

7:24 AM MST on Tue., Mar. 25, 2008 re: "Navy, new coach start spring practices"

Examiner Reader said:
The spring game is actually April 18 @ 7pm.

Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

6:47 AM MST on Tue., Mar. 25, 2008 re: "Navy, new coach start spring practices"

Former Player said:
I will admit that when I heard Coach Johnson left Navy I was disappointed and nervous with what direction Navy football would go. After they promoted Coach Niumatalolo to Head Coach, I can honestly say that I am more excited about Navy football now then I have ever been. I played for coach Niumat for 2 years and he is by far the best coach I have ever been around. His knowledge of the triple option not only rivals the creator's (Coach Johnson), his ability to connect with each player at a much deeper level will allow him to bring out the very best in each player and put together a cohesive group of young men that believe in themselves as well as their coaches! Go Navy, Beat Everyone!

Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

8:50 AM MST on Mon., Oct. 29, 2007 re: "Navy hopes to end 43-game drought to Irish"

Examiner Reader said:
With all due respect to the Adm Fowler, he doesn't even attend his own year group's tailgaters. He's focused on the mission, just not much of a social butterfly. His communication skills aren't lacking, they're non-existent and that's the crux of the problem. He hasn't had a Supe's call for the Brigade since he initiated changes just prior to the academic year starting. He might have a great plan, but, no one knows where he's headed, only he does. Now for football. Navy just needs the defense to make a few stops and the offense can put the points on the board. Fifty two points should be enough to win any game. The Irish offense probably can't wait to get on the field Saturday. Go Navy! Beat the Notre Dame!

129 agree | 113 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

1:29 PM MST on Fri., Oct. 12, 2007 re: "Mids defense comes through in the clutch"

Examiner Reader said:
Nuc Sumariners are very capable people who are trained to leave nothing to chance in accomplishing their mission. That's why we never hear about submarine related nuclear incidents. Unfortunately, we HAVE heard about submarine collisions, which has prompted the sub community leadership to remind the troops that in their zeal to make sure the plant runs safely, they also need to occasionally get their heads up above the deckplates and watch where they're going ! In like fashion, it sounds like Adm Fowler needs to come up to the bridge and get a sniff of some fresh air. And he should take a look around while he's up there. There's more to making a good officer than attending to academic and military training. How about some balance, Admiral? It's called the Whole Man/Woman Concept, or even the "Big Picture".

104 agree | 101 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

12:51 PM MST on Fri., Oct. 12, 2007 re: "Mids defense comes through in the clutch"

Examiner Reader said:
This guy is a loose cannon. In an effort to 'make a name for himself,' he places his individual ego and arrogance above the morale and spirit of the Naval Academy and the armed forces in general. As a Naval Academy graduate, I'm embarrassed by his poor example of leadership.

104 agree | 91 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

7:06 AM MST on Wed., Sep. 19, 2007 re: "Navy gets some good news"

Examiner Reader said:
Annapolis, MD (WTF). VADM Fowler today issued a statement via his command judge advocate general (JAG) that the Academy is seriously considering cancelling this year's Army-Navy football game. VADM Fowler's statement explained that the game's proximity to final exams and the Christmas holiday was causing a lot of angst in the Brigade and might "serve as a distraction". He further explained that although the decision might be unpopular, his job is "not to do the popular thing but rather the right thing." The Superintendent emphasized that this move was not unprecedented. "In 1917 and 1918, the Army-Navy game was not played due to WWI. What better way to reinforce the fact that we're at war than to cancel the Army-Navy game?" The Admiral's statement stressed that the decision was not final, but an Academy spokesman said "I wouldn't be booking any rooms in Baltimore if I were you."

127 agree | 117 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

7:43 PM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

Examiner Reader said:
I'm traveling up writing "Free the Brigade" on the back window in protest to Fowler. Dumb Nuke move. Know what I mean, Vern?

179 agree | 110 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

7:24 PM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

Examiner Reader said:
Look at the financial headaches this could cause

156 agree | 103 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

6:14 PM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

Examiner Reader said:
The Midshipmen are miserable with the changes and the Supe has one of the worst leadership examples set forth in the navy. You would not have wanted to be on his ship. Sad day for Navy.

154 agree | 106 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

4:12 PM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

Examiner Reader said:
We've been a nation "at war" for almost 6 years now and only the services have been sacrificing, not the country "at large." It sounds like Adm Fowler is going to try to reverse this in his small way. Guess what -- it's DUMB! Making the Brigade of of Midshipmen the "sacrificial lamb" will not compensate for the nation's indifference and their overall lack involvement. He might even be manifesting the Navy's overall lack of involvement, in comparison to the Marines and Army. I wonder how many top notch Midies are now contemplating transfering. If I was a youngster, I probably would -- and I served for 20 years in the Artillery and Military Intel. Dumb Admiral! ...just dumb.

157 agree | 109 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

3:01 PM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

Examiner Reader said:
To quote President George W. Bush, "Join today's military and you're history."

150 agree | 101 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

2:14 PM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

USNA Alum [Ancient Mariner] said:
I have no qualms about and support the return to mandatory study hours ... it is the way I and thousands of others went through 4 years at "the Boat School/Canoe U/Sing Sing on the Severn" and benefited therefrom. I also agree with the Admiral's dedication to USNA's Mission. However, that said, I think he has gone off the deep end and over-reacted. The Team and the Brigade are a powerful recruiting tool and the Team is a necessary morale element for the Brigade, just as the Brigade is for the Team. I believe the Supe should have listened more before he leapt to lead. Hopefully, he will see the errors and correct them which is the sign of a true leader. Meanwhile, all he has accomplished is giving credence to the Brigade's nickname for the Academy's Admin ... the Dark Side !

153 agree | 127 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

1:32 PM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

Examiner Reader said:
Admiral Fowler sent an open letter to Midshipman parents that reads in part: .... Since my change of command I have been using the Chief of Naval Operations� approach for taking on a new position of responsibility: listen, learn, and lead. I have spent the summer listening and learning, and now it is time for me to lead. My Senior Leadership Team and I want to make sure our course is set to prepare your sons and daughters to become the best junior officers in the Fleet; officers with competence, character, and compassion..... ... Every member of our Naval Academy team must be focused on developing midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically for the privilege of serving as leaders of Sailors and Marines who volunteered to serve their country. Develop is an active verb requiring intrusive leadership from staff, faculty, and coaches. We must direct and facilitate the development of our midshipmen to accomplish the mission with a sense of urgency....

130 agree | 126 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

11:30 AM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

Examiner Reader said:
With the sweeping changes Admiral Fowler proposes, including cancelling movement orders to sports events and cancelling musical groups/concerts, I would think some alumni would start calling their congressmen/senators. I know some parents have begun. Most of us that sent our kids to USNA sent intelligent, emotionally mature over-achievers that have NOT needed babysitting in quite some time.

174 agree | 135 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

11:04 AM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

Examiner Reader said:
Great idea Supe Fowler. We certianly wouldn't want the Midshipman to have any personal enjoyment during the four years they have as young adults waiting to possibly sacrifice their lives for our country. Best to have them locked down and preparing to go to war. If we treated our other military members who were at home waiting for deployment this way there would be public outcry. Let us not forget that these men and women are enlisted and considered active duty military.

169 agree | 123 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

9:49 AM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

Examiner Reader said:
With 3,000+ Midshipmen back in Annapolis not being distracted by the Navy football game, I wonder how the Superintendent and Commandant can be at the game. Surely they're not distracted by football while their troops are back home as they prepare to serve. I don't think the fleet cares whether or not Midshipment are at a football game on a Friday night supporting their team. Leaving them all at home doesn't show any support for the Navy-Marine Corps team. This shows a lack of vision. If all is well and the Academy is fine as the leadership states, then this direction stems from some sort of ill that the team wants to correct. Granted, the Academy has had some problems with specific Mids. No college/university is without problems. These Mids that were responsible were held accountable. If this is being done to effect change, that's one thing. Leaving the Brigade to attend an evening meal formation and leave no time to support THEIR team doesn't show suppor

187 agree | 142 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate