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Navy Football: Breakout Stars for the 2018 Season

By Gavin Jernigan

ANNAPOLIS, MD - SEPTEMBER 10: Members of the Navy Midshipmen celebrate their 28-24 win over the Connecticut Huskies at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
ANNAPOLIS, MD - SEPTEMBER 10: Members of the Navy Midshipmen celebrate their 28-24 win over the Connecticut Huskies at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Navy defense

3. Jarvis Polu

Holding down the edges of the defensive line, Jarvis Polu, looks to dominate this year.  A rising senior, Polu will be expected to provide great pressure on the opposing quarterbacks this season. Polu played in all 40 games across his three years at Navy.

However, his statistics do not demonstrate his potential for dominance. The defensive line needs to step up this year to give its struggling secondary a chance. Therefore, leadership on the defensive line will need to come from Polu.

4. Nizaire Cromartie

Currently, listed as the starting outside linebacker (Raider side), Nizaire Cromartie, a junior, is expected to play a big role in Navy’s defense this year. In four of the past six seasons, the player in the Raider position has been in the top three in tackles and tackles-for-loss.

The team’s defensive scheme requires their most athletic defensive player to play Raider. In addition to athleticism, Cromartie has great speed, size, and strength. Therefore, the coaches switched Cromartie, this off-season, from defensive end to the Raider position. The hope is that Cromartie will bring great pressure to opposing quarterbacks. Cromartie should bring a dynamic presence to Navy’s defense.

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