Navy senior captain Jarod Bryant had no way of knowing how accurate he was in envisioning his role on the football field.
“My goal is to start at slot back,” Bryant said. “For at least the first few weeks of practice, I’m going to be a full-time slot.”
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For nearly two weeks, Bryant’s statement was correct. He quickly moved atop the depth chart at the position, but Bryant’s chances of starting the Midshipmen’s season opener against Towson on Aug. 30 at the position dwindle everyday.
That’s because Bryant is taking snaps at quarterback after starter Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada pulled a hamstring during a scrimmage on Saturday and it’s unclear when the senior will return.
“[Jarod] will play all quarterback for now,” Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo said.
Bryant completed 17-of-31 passes for 252 yards and rushed for 464 yards and five touchdowns on 94 carries in 10 games last fall. His 71.6 yards of offense per game was second only to Kaheaku-Enhada, who averaged 148.8 yards per game. With Kaheaku-Enhada leading the offense, Navy had one of best statistical seasons in school history, averaging more than 39 points and 444 yards per game.
Bryant’s move also caused the slot back’s depth chart to change. Senior Shun White, who ran for 620 yards and seven touchdowns on 78 carries last fall, figures to be a starter at one of the two slot back positions, but the other starter is unclear.
Sophomore Andre Byrd and senior Greg Shinego, who are expected to both receive substantial playing time, are battling injuries, giving other players the chance to shine. Byrd is expected back this week, but Shinego’s return is unknown.
But Byrd, Shinego and junior Cory Finnerty combined for just nine yards on two carries last year, and must find a way to replace at least some of the production of graduated slot back Reggie Campbell. The former star finished his career with 4,737 career all-purpose yards, second-most in school history.
“[The injuries have] given some of our young guys a shot,” Niumatalolo said. “We really like our young slot backs. They have been fed to the wolves and have handled it pretty well.”
