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Army football will be New Year’s Six bowl threat in 2021

By Dante Pryor

General view as Army Cadets march onto the field before a game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
General view as Army Cadets march onto the field before a game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2020; Memphis, TN, USA; Army Black Knights quarterback Tyhier Tyler (2) during the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Liberty Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2020; Memphis, TN, USA; Army Black Knights quarterback Tyhier Tyler (2) during the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Liberty Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Will Christian Anderson stay healthy all season?

The Black Knights had four quarterbacks who played significant snaps last season, and six quarterbacks got on the field last season. Senior Christian Anderson began the season as the starting quarterback; however, injuries limited Anderson to just five games. Junior Tyhier Tyler, a converted slotback, started four games and led the team in rushing.

It appears that Tyler and Anderson are the top contenders to start, but Jermel Jones could push both quarterbacks this summer. The positive is that Coach Monken and offensive coordinator Brent Davis know that there are at least three quarterbacks who could start and not lose a step.

That does not include sophomore Cade Ballard, who started two games and played well.

Whoever is behind center will not have fullback Sandon McCoy to run the belly play with this season. There is a strong possibility that this season could be fullback by committee. Army has three big bulldozers that can play.

There is 235 pound Cade Barnard who is the smallest of the trio and possibly the best blocker. After Barnard, 260-pound Jakobi Buchanan was second on the team in rushing yards and touchdowns and is the best runner of the trio. Finally, 255-pound Anthony Adkins is another road grater at fullback.

Suffice it to say; the Black Knights have no shortage of thunder in the backfield. Army’s diminutive dynamo Tyrell Robinson and his seven yards per carry last season bring plenty of lightning. That could give Tyler the edge at quarterback as he’s the most dynamic runner of the quarterbacking group.

This does not matter if Army cannot replace four starters on the offensive line, however. Connor Bishop is the lone returning starter, but turnover up front is common at the service academies. Tight end Chris Cameron also returns at tight end, which is like an extra lineman at Army.

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