Navy has experienced unprecedented success in its football program in recent years, and people outside Annapolis are starting to take notice.
This includes representative of the Meineke Car Care Bowl, who guaranteed the Midshipmen a spot in its game as long as they become bowl-eligible. Just contemplating such a scenario appeared highly unlikely just a few years ago. Instead, those at the Naval Academy just wanted to restore credibility to a once-proud program that went 1-20 over a two-season span.
The first step in that process came four years ago when Navy tabbed Paul Johnson as the service academy?s 36th head football coach. That decision didn?t provide immediate results as the Midshipmen went 2-10 in Johnson?s initial season in 2002.
Since then Navy has arguably been the state?s most successful football program with a 26-11 record the last three years. More importantly to many Midshipman fans, Navy is 7-1 over Air Force and Army the last four years and outright winners of the last three Commander-in-Chief trophies. Also, Navy earned three consecutive bowl bids, including a 51-30 victory over Colorado State in this past year?s Poinsetta Bowl.
“The goal when I came in here was to win,” said Johnson, who was Navy?s offensive coordinator from 1995-1996. “I knew when they handed me the program it was at the bottom and a lot of people said you couldn?t win here.”
Johnson proved that assumption tion wrong over the last three years by recruiting players who fit well in his triple-option offense. The run-heavy system requires quarterbacks able to make proper reads, strong running backs and a cohesive offensive line. Just as impressive is that Navy?s success the last three years has come with three different quarterbacks (Craig Candeto, Aaron Polanco and Lamar Owens).
Navy Athletic Director Chet Gladchuck said the football program?s success comes from players forgetting about personal aspirations, buying into Johnson?s coaching philosophy and a boost in overall team morale.
“Paul has been a perfect fit for us,” Gladchuck said.
“He relates to the players? toughness and developed a great rapport with them. Also, the players have no agendas and no NFL aspirations. They are disciplined and motivated to serve their country.”
Success also helps Navy when it comes to recruiting, something that?s not always easy with the Academy?s rigorous academic program and post-graduation military requirements.
Johnson said this is especially true when it comes to potential players exploring the other two service academies.
“We have a small recruiting pool already,” Johnson said. “Our success gives us an added advantage over Army and Air Force, something that Air Force had for years.”
Navy?s push toward a fourth straight bowl appearance begins Sept. 2 when it hosts East Carolina.
The Midshipman have a number of key players returning to aid in that goal, including slot back Reggie Campbell (530 yards, 7 TD), full back Adam Ballard(671, 6 TD) and linebacker Rob Caldwell, who averaged more than 11 tackles a game last year.
Senior Brian Hampton is the early leader to take over at quarterback with Troy Goss and the athletic Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada expected to compete for the job in the fall.
