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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 19, 2020; West Point, New York, USA; Air Force Falcons tight end Kyle Patterson (88) catches a pass for a touchdown in the end zone against the Army Black Knights during the second half at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2020; West Point, New York, USA; Air Force Falcons tight end Kyle Patterson (88) catches a pass for a touchdown in the end zone against the Army Black Knights during the second half at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports /

Army’s defense surrendered just 14 points per game last season

The Army Black Knights’ defense was stifling last season as it is most years under Monken and defensive coordinator, Nate Woody. Army’s defense is akin to the “No Name” defenses of the Dolphins of the 1970s. Rarely do the Black Knights start on their defensive unit; they are usually undersized yet get the job done.

Last season was no different.

This season, leading tackler Jon Rhattigan is gone, but Arik Smith, who tied him for the team lead in tackles, returns. Daryan McDonald and Malkelm Morrison round out a solid linebacking corps for Army.

The secondary returns three of its four starters, including cornerback Jabari Moore who led the Black Knights in interceptions. All of the Army’s defensive backs are physical tacklers who assist in the running game.

Nolan Cockrill is the only returning starter from last season’s defensive front. However, the Black Knights have no shortage of depth up front. This season, Army has decent size along their front, which helps when they decide to blitz.

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