It?s a risk Navy coach Paul Johnson said he is not willing to take. He?s already had to deal with injuries to several key defensive players, so he?s not going to chance any offensive starters sustaining injuries that could further hinder his team.
So that?s why he plans to start junior backup quarterback Jarod Bryant in place of junior Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 when Navy (6-4) hosts Northern Illinois (2-8) in its home finale at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Kaheaku-Enhada is recovering from an injured knee he sustained during the third quarter of a 74-62 win at North Texas last week. The junior from Hawaii did not return after the injury and has not practiced this week, causing Johnson to start Bryant for the second time in his career. Bryant started Meineke Car Care Bowl last season when the Midshipmen took the field with Kaheaku-Enhada at wide receiver. However, Kaheaku-Enhada replaced Bryant during Navy?s next possession.
“He?s probably not going to play [Saturday],” said Johnson on Kaheaku-Enhada, who is expected to start against Army at M&T Bank Stadium on Dec. 1.
Kaheaku-Enhada?s injury is the latest chapter in what Johnson has described as a “bizarre” season. Navy already has lost safety Jeff Deliz and linebacker Clint Sovie to season-ending injuries, and also has dealt with injuries to junior defensive backs Ketric Buffin (arm) and Rashawn King (shoulder).
“I could never imagine the season turning out the way it has so far,” Johnson said. “But we still have a chance to have a good season and we have to get a win on Saturday.”
Navy senior slot back Zerbin Singleton said Bryant has proved he can direct Navy?s high-powered offense. Bryant has rushed for 317 yards and three touchdowns and has thrown for 192 yards this fall.Through 10 games, Navy had scored 406 points and is on pace to break the school record of 442 points, set in 1917. The Midshipmen have the ninth-ranked offense in the country, averaging 462.2 yards per game.
“We?re confident, but we can?t get complacent,” Singleton said. “We set goals at the beginning of the year and it seems like each week we get closer to accomplishing those goals.”
Should something happen to Bryant on Saturday, Johnson said he would turn to third-string quarterback Troy Goss. The senior has appeared in eight games, playing mainly on special teams. Goss briefly played quarterback in last year?s 42-6 win against Temple when he ran the ball once for nine yards.
“Coach has done a good job of getting us ready and I just have to stay ready keep my mind on top of things and whatever happens, happens,” Goss said. “The key is to just stay positive, stay ready and be prepared to go in there whenever coach tells you.”
