Saturday Scrimmage Report: 8/18 Edition

Well, I just got back from another great morning down at the stadium, and as promised have the full report of all the action. Official press release from NavySports.com can be found right hyah.

We'll start off with the first team offense, and the very good news that quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada is out of his neck brace and managed to play two series'. It's a good thing to, because with Kaipo-Noa in the game the first team offense is almost unstoppable, as demonstrated by the fact that they took the ball right down the field on the first series for an early touchdown. The offensive line clearly got the best of the defensive line early in the game, and Adam Ballard ran extremely well in a style which could only be described as "gashing." Kaipo-Noa did not throw the ball often, but as was the case last week he looked comfortable in the pocket and put the ball right on the money. He clearly has a hold on the number one job. Most of the option plays were keepers or pitches to Zerbin Singleton, who had a fine game. Reggie did not touch the ball and saw limited action, although he did throw some very nice blocks. Shun White had (I believe) one catch but was otherwise not featured today. Ballard was the star for the first team offense, running 11 times for 80 yards, with 79 of those yards coming on the first series.

As for the number one defense, let's just say things improved once Kaipo was out of the lineup and Ballard was no longer the focal point. I was impressed by the defensive line as the the scrimmage wore on, especially as far as getting penetration into the backfield goes. There are still some issues that need to be resolved as far as the inside running game goes, but both Nate Frazier and Chirs Kahur Pitters were able to get into the backfield and cause some disruption. Nate also really impressed me on a screen in which the 285-lb sophomore ran down Eric Kettani after "feeling" the play develop (albeit ten yards downfield.) Pitch Right's pick for "surprise defensive player of the year" Matt Nechak had another solid outing with eight tackles, including two for a loss and a sack, while former basketball star turned safety Corey Johnson looked good in run support with ten tackles. Watching the defense play out there today got me thinking. I know there are some obvious concerns but I like that a lot of guys are getting reps in practice and I like our chances for the season. There is a good deal of sideline to sideline speed our there and in general the pursuit was outstanding. There was certainly some major hitting going, a point established early by Ketric Buffin, who amazes me with his ability to cut down much larger players in the open field. I'm also getting really excited about the linebacker unit, which I've maintained all offseason is still the strength of the defense. Matt Humiston and Michael Walsh look like they are going to be solid players on the outside this year. And speaking of linebackers, we've got some very talented and aggressive backups waiting in the wings, including guys like Tony Haberer and the aforementioned Matt Nechak.

Plebe Ricky Dobbs continued to impress, as he showed off precision accuracy and great elusiveness within the pocket. He threw a bullet to Mike Schupp who made a nice move to get into the endzone late in the scrimmage. Dobbs has been working with the second and the third teams, but for those of you keeping track of the quarterback competition for 2009, I think we've found our favorite. In fact, he may even move to third string before the end of camp. I hate to say this because I know how hard Troy Goss has worked, but I think his catch-22 continues considering how well Dobbs has been playing. As for Troy, well, he did show some real courage running the option today, and looked more aggressive running the football than I've seen in the past. However he and the other backup quarterbacks (including Dobbs) need to show better care in taking care of the football. I don't know what it was today but we seemed to have a lot of trouble on exchanges from center and to the fullback. These are basic tenants of the offense, and seeing the ball on the ground that many times is not encouraging.

Some more random tidbits: T.J. Thiel has quietly emerged as one of the better reserve receivers on this team, and could be putting himself in line for playing time this season... Speaking of wide receivers, plebe Mike Schupp showed off some good hands and athletic ability, although he did blow a blocking assignment on an early end-around...Plebe Wyatt Middleton is an explosive and aggressive player in the defensive secondary, and has great nose for the football... I thought he did an excellent job in run support today... Bobby Doyle took a real shot on the scrimmage and had to be directed off the field, but I sat at his table during lunch and he seemed to indicate he was o.k...Speaking of banged up slotbacks, I ran into our good friend Greg Shinego who thanked me for all the publicity and said he'd be ready for Temple on the 31st...Last week's star Andre Byrd was not in the lineup today, likely due to a problem with his paperwork going through the NCAA Clearinghouse...A fellow I was chatting with behind me during the play asked me if I had already graduated the Academy, to which I responded that I'm just a local fan who attends a nearby University. I bring this up because it's a far cry from when I met GoMids.com's David Ausiello, who pegged me as a freshmen in high school. Both of course are forgiven, as I know it's sometimes difficult to gauge the age of a, uh, vertically challenged individual.

At the Blue-and-Gold cookout after the scrimmage I was able to talk to some players and hear some interesting tidbits. First off I sat across from Nate Frazier at lunch and man let me tell you that guy enjoys his meals (as can be expected.) I don't think I heard more than a few words out of him the entire time. I sat next to Jordan Reagan, who confirmed that Greg Thrasher would be suspended for the first game because he "broke some team rules." Apparently, he's working with the scout team in the meantime. Eric Kettani was also nearby, and we chatted for awhile about the blog, the new Supe, and the fate of Army week. He said that as far as he knew, all the football players signed their "two-for-sevens."

Overall, most of the players did voice their disappointment that movement orders for Midshipmen have been cancelled for several of the away games. Most of the guys understood the need to improve discipline and were fine with several of the measures taken, but they couldn't get over not having a large contingent of Mids in the stands for Temple and Rutgers. In addition, a lot of the guys were worried about Army week, in particular the rumors that it may not exist anymore. I happen to share some of their concerns, and just hope that the Academy can maintain the outstanding support of the football program without having to sacrifice discipline. I'll have more thoughts on this particular matter early next week.

Well, that's about all to it. This scrimmage was not a whole lot different from the last one in what we can take out of it. The number one offense is going to move the ball, that much is apparent, but I think the defense is coming along. It will be really interesting to see how they do against a non-option offense, especially considering all the athletic ability in the linebacking corps and secondary. All in all, there is progress being made and guys working hard to solidify or push for positions, and the team is finally starting to come together.

I'll do my best to answer questions or give my thoughts if anyone has any comments.

Scrimmage Debrief

It was a great day for the first scrimmage of the preseason at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Saturday morning, as we finally got a break from the heat to enjoy some actual college football (as opposed to, you know, the CFL or something.) First off I'd suggest that everyone check out the official release from Scott S. over at NavySports.com, which includes quotes from Coach Johnson and a nice summery of the events. My thoughts are as followed:

First and foremost, which players were the most impressive? I guess to answer that question we first have to take a scrimmage like this into context. Not only were some of Navy's best players not in the lineup for the day (minor precautionary reasons) but the purpose of the first scrimmage is to find out who can play on the team and who can't. Yes, Reggie Campbell was impressive every time he touched the football, but then again we already knew that. Today was less about getting the ball to the play makers and piling up points than it was about finding out how different groups of players work together and which guys from the second and third team have a shot at breaking out. As far as commenting on the first team offense goes, I will say that Kaipo looked sharp in the pocket today, and although he only completed half of his passes he seems to have more zip on the ball and more confidence in the pocket. It's also worth noting that he had some very good protection up front. Ballard ran strong as usual, and the first team offense line did a good job moving the first team defensive line back (for the most part.) The "D" did do a good job tightening up in the red zone as the scrimmage possessed, but it's more then fair to say the offense is ahead of the defense (as we expected.)

The second and third team offenses however seemed to struggle, particularly with basic concepts like taking care of the football. Readers of this site know that I am an unabashed fan of both Jarod Bryant and Troy Goss, but they each gave it back to the defense while playing with the first team (Jarod threw one to Blake Carter, Troy lost a fumble to Matt Nechak.) Blocking is still inconsistent with both the second and third teams, although their were some nice runs by the slotbacks, particularly Andre Byrd and Greg Shinego. Plebe Greg Jones also did some good things with the third team at slot back, as did Scott Oswald, who while still struggling with blocking assignments is getting better. The receivers need to show more poise and better hands while at the same time understanding their blocking assignments. There is a lot of raw talent on the second team, but it seems like a number of players are still struggling with the basic concepts of this offense.

Alright, on to the important stuff. Possible risers in the depth chart? I think you have to start with two plebes, those being QB Ricky Dobbs and SB Andre Byrd. Dobbs saw time with the second team and looked impressive running the ball. He spent some time at NAPS so it's obvious that he has an understanding of the offense to compliment his great athletic ability. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him listed on the three deep when Monday's depth chart comes out. As for Andre Byrd, he's obviously an outstanding athlete as well and could have a bright future. He reminds me a lot of Reggie Campbell with his running style. His height (5'7ish) allows him to run low to the ground and his patience and quickness are unmatched by the other plebe slotbacks. He's someone to keep an eye on in the future. On defense, Michael Walsh may be entrenching his spot at right end, while Andy Lark has quietly moved up in the order of things and could contend for a backup job. I also think Ram Vela may be able to put himself in contention for the nickel back spot by camp's end.

As for the defensive side of the ball, well, I hate to use this cliche, but they did some good things and they did some not so good things. I thought big Nate Frazier had a very good day, and liked seeing the kind of penetration he was able to get. I know Antron wasn't in there to challenge him, but he was able to cause some serious disruption in the backfield. Chris Kahur-Pitters did some good things as well. I like our linebackers all around. Their were some pads popping and in general they flew to the football well. Coming off blocks quicker is still a concerns (especially against the first team), but for the most part they did a good decent job. Secondary shows some promise. I like Ram Vela at corner and it seems like he's made some major strides since spring, while plebe Wyatt Middleton showed some toughness in on tackles. While were on the subject of hitting, anyone know who layed the wood on Bobby Doyle to cause the fumble Thiel scored on? I don't remember seeing much of this, but apparently Jeff Deliz did some good things as well (2 tfl.) Just as a side note, I tend to focus on the offense more (as most fans do) and it's fairly easy for me to lose track of what's going on in the secondary unless the play is right in front of me.

All and all, this wasn't a bad first scrimmage. It wasn't great, but it wasn't "freaking awful" as Paul Johnson would say. Whenever you have a lot of plebes out on the field (as there were) poise is going to be an issue, as was the case today. The first team offense is still well ahead of the defense, but we all knew that coming into camp. The point is that our defense will be fine. By "fine" I don't mean shutting people out, but there is enough talent and aggressiveness here that teams aren't just going to roll right on down the field. As far as things getting stressed in practice this week, I think it's got to be decision making and taking care of the football on offense. I think Coach Johnson will use Dobbs' play to push Jarod and Troy, who in their own right did some good things today. I think there might also be some attention paid to blocking on the perimeter once the tape is reviewed. That and knowing where you are on the field, as I saw one to many guys run into each other and botch a quarterback-fullback exchange. On defense, it's got to be what it always is. Discipline, tackling, and flying to the football.

That's it for now, at least until I can think of some more stuff I've probably forgotten and left out. I'll be back on Monday with some comments on the latest depth chart, and maybe even some thoughts on all this Maryland nonsense we keep hearing about.

Countdown to Kickoff: Greg Shinego Edition

Alright, so it's not exactly a professional photo (it's from my personnel collection) but for the first time in our countdown, we're matching the days left before the opener (29) with a corresponding Navy football player. Today's player is of course junior slotback Greg Shinego. Shun White told me on Monday that Greg would have a greater role in the offense this year, meaning opposing defenses will have to account for another fast and elusive slotback. Speaking of Greg, he's on our Pitch Right poll on the side bar to your right as one of our "surprise performer" candidates for next year, so be sure to get your votes in before the poll closes next Monday.

Ultimate Navy Preview 2007 Slotbacks

Today we continue with our Ultimate Navy Preview 2007, taking a look at the slotbacks in Paul Johnson's triple option offense. Navy returns both starting slotbacks from 2006, including their top reserve in Shun White. While their are technically only two starters at the position, head coach Paul Johnson routinely rotates up to three or four players in at the position during a game. We say this every year, but it rings true again this year. This is the best group of Navy slotbacks during Johnson's tenure. Let's go ahead and take a look at the three deep...

Reggie Campbell: What more can you say about Reggie? He's the most dynamic and explosive player on this Navy team, and has the ability to take the ball to the house whenever he touches the football. Campbell had a breakthrough sophomore campaign where he rushed for 514 yards and seven touchdown, while catching 12 balls for more than 300 yards and two scores. He is of course best remembered for his five touchdown performance against Colorado St. in the 2005 Poinsettia Bowl, in which he scored five touchdowns and had his face plastered all over ESPN (a good thing in this case.) Last season he only continued in his on-field brilliance, rushing for over 700 yards while catching 13 balls for 244 yards. Because of his diminutive 5'6 size, it's often said that Campbell couldn't play anywhere else but Navy. That may be more may not be true, but don't make the mistake of overlooking his pure athletic ability. He's one of the top sprinters in the Patriot League, and has insane strength for his size (460 yard squat.) Die-hard Navy fans saw the extent of Campbell's athletic ability during the spring game, where the 5'6 slotback (probably closer to 5'5) out jumped the 5'11 Jeff Deliz to make an incredible catch downfield. Because of his size, he's also incredibly difficult to tackle and unbelievably elusive out of the backfield, often able to slip the outside linebacker or safety who "runs the ally." I think Steve Kragthorpe said it best when he said a number of Navy players, including Campbell, could play for him any day.

"Reggie Campbell is a great football player. He can play any place in the country, there's no question. You can ask 117 teams that would love to have Campbell on their team."

I know part of that is just being respectful of the opponent, but Coach Kragthorpe's point is simple, and that is that Reggie Campbell is just a damn good football player in every aspect of the game. Not only is he a fantastic rusher and pass receiver, but the guy has been solid on kickoff (and the occasional punt) returns and even does an amazing job covering punts as a gunner. He is also an unheralded blocker who seems to come out of nowhere to cut guys down on the open field. Heck, the only think I think I haven't seen Reggie do is throw a pass, and you never know what Coach Johnson has up his sleeve. I don't know if I've ever enjoyed watching a football player on the collegiate level any more than Reggie, and 2007 should be his biggest year yet.

Zerbin Singleton: Often described as a "tenacious blocker," Zerb is hands down the most underrated player on this Navy football team (at least as far as this blogger is concerned.) He has the uncanny ability to stick of defenders and to cut them down with precisions cut blocks, and often paves the way for long runs down field by the other slot-backs. He had a huge game in the Mieneke Car Care Bowl last year, running for 71 yards and a touchdown on only six carries. Although he doesn't often get the chance to show it, he's also a solid receiver out of the slot, and could be utilized more in this respect next season. Despite his 5'8 frame Zerb is incredibly strong and has a reputation as being one of the strongest Navy players in recent memory. He's not as fast as Reggie or Shun, but he's a shifty runner in the open field and difficult to get a grasp of. He's also incredibly bright, which I guess you have to be when you're carrying a 3.29 GPA in Aerospace Engineering.

Shun White: A very talented player who burst onto the scene as a sophomore last season, White looks primed for an even bigger 2007. He's arguably one of the fastest player on the team and it shows, as he averaged an unreal 12.0 yards a carry last season en route to 578 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. He has excellent vision and the ability to make defenders miss in the open field, and could even be utilized as a kickoff returner in 2007. One thing White does need to improve upon is his blocking. If he can be more consistent in that aspect of his game then he goes from being a good player to a very special one.

Greg Shinego: A rising junior who has yet to see meaningful action with the first team, Shinego nevertheless runs with a full head of steam and is more than capable of breaking long runs. He's going to need to show that he can be a consistent blocker to receive significant playing time in 2007, but he should find his way onto the field from time to time. Last season Shun White came seemingly out of nowhere and although it's unlikely Shinego will gallop for 500+ yards this year, he's one of my picks as a surprise performer of 2007.

Bobby Doyle: Like Shinego, Bobby Doyle has a chance to develop into a very good player for the Midshipmen. He was a do-it-all athlete at Chardon high school in Ohio, playing both running back and quarterback. He has plenty of speed and good vision, and is more than capable of making people miss in the open field. He should have a chance to see some limited work at the position in 2007, but expect him to see regular playing time in 2008.

Others:

Scott Oswald- Excellent speed and good size.

Cory Finnerty- Needs to show better ability as a blocker.

Frank Rizzo- No relation to the famed Muppets character.

Overall: This is a very solid group which has earned even some well deserved national acclaim. Campbell is, quite literally, superman out of the field while Shun has big play ability written all over him. Everyone knows how good of a blocker Zerb is, but don't overlook his running ability in 2007. By the same token, watch out for Doyle and Shinego in fall camp, as either one of them could work their way into the rotation. This group is clearly the biggest streagth on the entire Navy team.

Grade: 9.5

Photo of Reggie Campbell from Defenselink.mil. Photo of Zerbin Singleton courtesy of Navysports.com. Photos of Shun White, Bobby Doyle, and Greg Shinego from my collection.