Navy has juggled its depth chart after Saturday’s scrimmage, the Mids first of the preseason, making several significant changes.
On the offensive line, rapidly-developing sophomore Tanner Fleming has taken over at center and senior Ryan Paulson, who was shifted from defensive end last spring, has taken over at tackle for senior Andrew Barker, who started six games a year ago. Paulson is listed on the left side, with junior Graham Vickers, who started the last three games of 2011, shifting from the left to the right.
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Sophomore Bradyn Heap, who opened the preseason as the starting center, is listed as the backup there, but he ran several snaps on Saturday and in Monday’s practice at tackle, where he remains unlisted.
There was little change at the offensive skill positions. At kicker, six players, including three freshmen are even. Junior Stephen Picchini began the preseason as the No. 1 kicker, but made only two of four field goal tries in the scrimmage.
In the defensive backfield, senior Jerad Fehr has pulled even at safety with returning sophomore starter Chris Ferguson. Fehr, has had an injury-filled career – including a torn ACL as a sophomore — and never appeared in a varsity game.Afte At defensive end, junior Evan Palelei has replaced senior Colin Sturdivant who has tumbled to No. 3 on the right side.
Several freshman continue to impress. E.K. Binns has climbed to No. 2 at guard and Chris Swain is now the No. 3 fullback. Bernard Sarra and A.K. Akpunku are listed third at nose guard and outside linebacker respectively. Several freshmen are listed at cornerback including Quincy Adams, Kwazel Bertrand, and Shelley White.
