Navy Football: Midshipmen have high expectations in 2018
Offense
The Future
To consider Navy’s offense is to look at its starting quarterback. Malcolm Perry’s few samples of quarterback have been nothing short of spectacular.
As a freshman, Perry was sitting in his military dress uniform, with the Brigade of Midshipman, during the second quarter of Navy’s home opener against Fordham. After an injury to the starting quarterback, Coach Niumatalolo had Perry pulled from the stands and told him to suit up.
Playing the entire fourth quarter, Perry led the offense as if he were the starting quarterback. He saw limited action the rest of the year until again, entering in the fourth quarter in Navy’s bowl game against Louisiana Tech. On his first snap, Perry ran for a 30-yard touchdown. That was his only play of the game.
In his sophomore season, Perry saw most of his playing time at running back. However, in the last three games of the season at quarterback, Perry showed great potential and will look to continue his stellar performances at the position full-time.
Offensive Line
With any run-heavy offense, the offensive line needs to open holes to run through. Navy replaces three starters from the offensive line. The relative inexperience on the line will be one of Navy’s biggest hurdles early in the season.
The strong point of the offensive line rests at right tackle. Senior Andrew Wood returns for his third year starting on the offensive line. Giving up the opportunity to play for a SEC school to serve his country, Wood has been a standout for the Midshipmen throughout his collegiate career. Wood will be a strong candidate for an All-American award if he stays healthy.
Related Story: 4 key areas of improvement for Navy in 2018
Questions in the Passing Game
More inexperience is present at wide receiver for the Midshipmen. Listed atop the depth chart, Zach Abey has never played the position. As previously mentioned, former linebacker, Aleksei Yaramus is listed behind starter Taylor Jackson on the opposing receiving side. Furthermore, Perry has only attempted two passes in his career, one of which was intercepted. The Midshipmen will need to develop a passing game to prevent defenses from loading up the box.