Navy Football 2021: Midshipmen look to right the ship
By Shane Lunnen
The linebackers will be key to success
The offense may have been abysmal all season, but Navy’s defense found success after the month-long layoff in the middle of the year. Defensive coordinator Brian Newberry hit the reset button and fixed the issues. Through seven games the Midshipmen gave up an average of 37 points and 445 yards. Over the final three games, they allowed less than 15 points and 246 yards per game.
The defense returns eight starters overall and will look to build on last season’s late momentum. All four linebackers return, led by senior Diego Fagot. He came up with 100 tackles during the 2019 campaign and has 23 tackles for loss and eight and a half sacks over the last two seasons.
Fagot is considered a prospect for next year’s NFL Draft. He and his fellow linebackers will be key to driving the defense this season.
The Midshipmen are not very large upfront but there is depth and the rotation should keep everyone fresh. The line will be anchored by nose guard Donald Berniard. Last season the team only recorded six sacks so the line will look to improve upon the stat this fall.
The secondary would also like to create some more turnovers this year, only recording three interceptions a year ago. It is a senior-laden unit led by cornerback Michael McMorris and safety Kevin Brennan. These guys held their own in a trying year and will be a strength this upcoming season.