Cornerback shows a team-first attitude
At the Naval Academy, it’s all about the group, not the individual. Last year, Blake Carter lived up to the ethic.
After starting nine games as a sophomore, Carter found himself on the bench. Sure, it was a blow to his ego, but instead of sulking, Carter continued to plug away on special teams.
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His reward came against rival Air Force. Returning a blocked punt for a touchdown and blocking another himself that teammate Bobby Doyle recovered in the end zone, Carter was the difference in Navy’s 33-27 victory. Afterward, Carter received the Ben Martin Award, given to the most valuable player of the Navy-Air Force game.
“It all goes back to film and coach [Danny] O’Rourke,” said Carter, “I just focused on the tendencies they showed.”
Deflecting credit is a Navy trait. Carter demonstrated his team-first mentality last fall when he accepted his diminished role without complaint.
Two years ago, because of injuries to two starters, Carter was thrust into a starting role at cornerback. Carter, a 5-11, 187-pounder from Stillwater, Okla., played well, making 50 solo tackles, third best on the team, and an extraordinarily high number for a cornerback.
But when the injured defensive backs — Ketric Buffin and Jeff Deliz — returned healthy in 2008, Carter had to take a step back. Initially miffed, Carter kept his disappointment to himself and forged a new role.
“It changed my mindset as far as contributing to the team and the overall goal of Navy football winning,” said Carter, who wears jersey No. 1.
Carter produced when called upon. In a spot start, he got the first interception of his career. Carter also returned a punt 44 yards. Excelling on special teams helped position Carter for a return to the starting lineup. It happened in last year’s all-important season finale. Subbing for the injured Buffin, Carter made five solo tackles, playing a key role as Navy stuffed Army, 34-0.
This year the left cornerback job is Carter’s. His 12 solo tackles rank second on the team.
“Going through what I went through last year, I understood I can’t take anything for granted,” said Carter. “Being a senior, my days are numbered. I can’t take any play for granted. I have to play it like it’s my last.”
Saturday when Navy (2-2) plays host to Air Force (3-1), don’t be surprised to see Carter lined up with the punt block unit.
“My heart soared with joy for him,” linebacker Ross Pospisil said of Carter’s big plays against Air Force. “After starting as a sophomore and taking a back seat last year, it had to be hard … Blake really embodies our team. You have a lot of guys who work day in, day out, giving everything they got and when given the chance, they step up to the plate.”
