Navy fullback Matt Hall has battled injuries, dealt with fumbles and fallen from starter to third on the depth chart over the last year.
However, despite all of that, the 5-foot-10, 210-pound senior can still write a happy ending to his career Saturday when Navy (9-3) faces No. 23 Boston College (9-3) in the Meineke Car Care Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Navy coach Paul Johnson said Thursday that Hall would start in place of injured starter junior Adam Ballard, who broke his leg Dec. 2 against Army.
Ballard replaced Hall for the final three games of last season after Hall went down with a season-ending knee injury. Ballard beat out Hall for the starting job this preseason, and then sophomore Eric Kettani eventually moved up from third to second on the depth chart after Hall struggled early in the season.
Hall has 224 yards and a touchdown on 43 carries, while Kettani has 189 yards and a touchdown on 39 carries this year. Prior to the injury, Ballard rushed for a team-high 792 yards and three touchdowns on 154 carries.
“[Hall?s] just had a little better practice, he?s a senior, and it?s his last game and I just think he deserves to start,” said Johnson, who added that Kettani would still see significant playing time.
Johnson said Hall?s return to first on the depth chart after dealing with so much adversity is a credit to his character.
“He?s been steadfast in his hard work and has not given up,” Johnson said. “Hopefully, he can go out with a big game. That would be great.”
With the fullback position settled, Navy put the final touches on its preparation for Boston College with its final practice of the season Thursday. Today, the team is expected only to do a walk-through at Bank of America Stadium.
“We?re not going to change who we are between now and Saturday,” Johnson said. “It?s now just polishing up things and making sure everyone knows their assignment and what they?re supposed to do on each and every play.”
Navy slot back Reggie Campbell said the team is as ready as it?s going to be for Boston College.
“We came out and have done pretty good the last few days, as far as getting the reps in and being assignment-sound,” he said. “Now, it?s just getting prepared mentally.”
NAVY NOTES
» On Wednesday, Johnson, along with slot backs Reggie Campbell and Zerbin Singleton, right guard Antron Harper, wide receivers Jason Tomlinson and Greg Sudderth, spent part of their day visiting sick children at Levine Children?s Hospital.
