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Navy turns offense over to Tago Smith to replace Keenan Reynolds

By Collin Wieder

Oct 10, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Navy Midshipmen quarterback Tago Smith (18) runs the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Daniel Cage (75) defends in the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Navy Midshipmen quarterback Tago Smith (18) runs the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Daniel Cage (75) defends in the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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The vaunted Navy triple-option offense will have a new quarterback under center for the first time in four years. Tago Smith has the difficult job of replacing Keenan Reynolds.

Navy football became synonymous with former starting quarterback Keenan Reynolds. The four-year starter put up huge numbers in the triple-option offense. His story is well-known, but his replacement, Tago Smith, is an unknown.

But, followers of the program have seen him before. In his two years of backing up Reynolds, he filled in admirably when his number was called. In 2014, he actually started and won two games for the Midshipmen. Smith beat Texas State 35-21 and accounted for 192 total yards and four touchdowns.

He started later in the season against Virginia Military Institute. He led Navy to a win again. He added two mores scores in a 51-14 romp of VMI. They weren’t against the nation’s best, but Navy knows he is capable of winning.

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Now, he’s going to have to lead for a full season. In terms of running ability, he originally came to Annapolis as a running back so he has the running aspect down. He doesn’t have to be brilliant through the air. The triple option’s passing game is simple. It’s usually a play action pass to set up a deeper route.

For instance, Reynolds averaged 10.5 yards an attempt last year. He only completed 61-of-115 passes, but they went for 1,203 yards. The completion percentage is below average for today’s college football. However, they aren’t looking to dink and dunk a defense. They are looking for big plays and ball security. Reynolds fit that mold perfectly, carrying a TD-to-INT ratio of 8-to-1.

Luckily for Smith, he’ll have the Midshipmen’s best receiver over the past two seasons back. Senior Jamir Tillman is the only returning starter for Navy’s offense. He’s a major receiving threat compiling 51 catches for 995 yards and eight touchdowns in his career. At 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, Tillman will certainly help Smith’s transition in the starting role.

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Also, the run-to-pass ratio helps any quarterback. In 2015, the team ran the ball 86 percent of the time. Expect those numbers to stay somewhere around there.

In head coach Ken Niumatalolo’s career, he’s led Navy to a 68-37 record. He’s had four solid starting quarterbacks. They stay within the offense and typically put up big numbers. This season should be no different with Smith.

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