Army West Point Athletics
Black Knights Brimming With Confidence As Camp Nears
July 27, 2007 | Football
WEST POINT, N.Y. -- In his effort to restore the Army football program to the state of its proud past, Stan Brock carried a laundry list of goals into his first spring practice as the Black Knights' head coach.
Holes to fill at tight end, vacancies along the offensive line, and a couple of openings at linebacker were paramount on the list. Taking a long, hard look at the quarterback position, where both starters return from a year ago, also remained prominently positioned in the forefront of Brock’s mind.
But maybe the biggest concern for Army’s new field boss heading into the month of March had more to do with the personalities and dynamics of how the new members of his Black Knight coaching staff would meld with players on the squad.
Following his appointment as Army’s 35th head football coach in January, Brock felt it was very important to maintain as much continuity on the Black Knights' coaching staff as possible. And while he did in fact import five new individuals to his coaching contingent, eight members of last year's on-field instructing unit were retained.
Among the newcomers introduced to Army's program during the winter months were Tucker Waugh, a former Black Knight assistant coach, returning to mentor Army's running backs following a short stint at Stanford University; Robert Lyles, a former standout linebacker in the National Football League who played against Brock professionally, then ran the defense for Army's new head coach while a member of Brock's staff in the Arena Football League. He was tabbed to instruct Army's linebackers; John Tice, a former teammate of Brock's with the New Orleans Saints and member of the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff. Tice would be entrusted with the difficult chore of replacing Brock as Army's offensive line coach, assisted by another newcomer, Saga Tuitele, a fast-rising young star in college coaching circles.
Perhaps the greatest adjustment would be on offense, as highly respected Division I-Championship Subdivision head coach Tim Walsh was lured from his position at Portland State University to help breathe new life into the lungs of Army's pro-set attack. Walsh wouldn't be expected to come in and overhaul the Black Knights' system, that wasn't the task presented by Brock. Rather, Walsh, long considered one of the most innovative offensive minds within the Division I-AA ranks, would be asked to introduce subtle changes to Army's existing scheme, the solid foundation of which was built by former head coach Bobby Ross.
Brock was anxious to get on the field this spring to introduce the fresh approach Walsh promised, to examine the effect these alterations would have against a defense in "real-time."
Following the 15-session, 30-day slate of workouts, Brock couldn't have been more pleased with what he witnessed.
"Even though our overall philosophy is the same and the majority of the coaches were still here from last season, we had several changes on the staff," states Brock, "and that was my biggest concern going into the spring how everyone would mesh and fit together; not only coach-to-coach, but player-to-position coach. I'm very happy with the way that went. I'm quite excited about the coaching staff we have in place.
"What a great asset Tim Walsh is going to be to our program," Brock continues. "He's adding a lot to an offense that I feel comfortable with. Adding the little things that he's done spreading our offense around a little bit, adding some things to the running game. He's given us some different looks. Running similar plays out of different formations is going to help us a lot. We won't get into a situation where we're running the same plays that look the same. That's going to help us a lot. I like the attitude that he brings in here; it's very positive. He works very well with the players and they respect him a great deal. That transition exceeded everything I had hoped entering the spring."
In addition to introducing Walsh and his personal strategies to Army's offensive system, two areas requiring the greatest amount of attention rested at quarterback and offensive line.
With both players that started games beneath center last fall returning to the fold, uncovering a suitable talent to lead the Black Knights' offense from the quarterback spot would not prove to be the biggest obstacle. Instead, choosing the identity of that individual from the game-tested duo of senior David Pevoto and sophomore Carson Williams would provide the most stern challenge.
"We really had to get the quarterback position to shake out," Brock states. "We have two really good quarterbacks in Carson Williams and David Pevoto. Carson ended last season as the starter, so that's how we began things this spring. He took the first snap, but the two shared the majority of the repetitions throughout the spring. Both looked very good.
“I'm impressed with David Pevoto. He worked very hard and actually improved more than Carson in the spring. It's not a knock on Carson, but a feather in the cap of David Pevoto for how hard he worked. We'll take it through training camp to see how things develop. We'll just continue to watch them work and grow. I'm very happy with the two quarterbacks.”
The situation along the offensive line appeared much different, though, entering the spring, with Brock and his charges faced with the task of replacing four of the five starters from last season's club. It was a veteran unit that combined to receive more than 100 career starts the previous two years. But thanks to the presence of a host of players boasting past starting experience, Brock left spring feeling very good about the way his new-look line shapes up entering preseason camp.
"I am very pleased with the job John Tice and Saga Tuitele have done with our offensive line," Brock says. "I like our starting five very much. We're not real deep, but overall the starting unit is rock-solid.’ They're together. They understand the concepts of the play. I think that unit will do very well."
With six regular starters returning on Army's defense, along with players that have drawn lead assignments at nine of the 11 spots overall, a familiar lot greeted Brock and defensive coordinator John Mumford when the squad stepped back onto the Michie Stadium practice field in late March.
Finding replacements for durable two-year starters Cason Shrode and Barrett Scruggs at middle linebacker and weakside linebacker, respectively, would require the largest dose of the brain trust's attention. Neither Shrode nor Scruggs missed a single start the past two years with the tandem ranking one-two among the team tackle leaders last fall.
But the steady emergence of senior Brian Chmura and junior Frank Scappaticci this spring went a long way toward cushioning the loss of those two standouts. After spending last season as the chief understudy to Shrode at middle linebacker, Chmura took well to his responsibilities with the first team this spring, blossoming into one of the more vocal leaders of the Black Knights' stop unit. Scappaticci, meanwhile, has been targeted by the coaching staff as a potential impact player for some time and took large strides toward fulfilling that promise with his expanded role this spring.
"We knew we had some players that could step in and fill the void left by Cason Shrode and Barrett Scruggs," explains Brock. "But you just don't know until you get them in a scrimmage situation and they receive a lot of reps. I feel very good about the way Brian Chmura and Frank Scappaticci, as well as returning starter Charlie Rockwood, played this spring. How that group would fit together and mesh with their new position coach, Robert Lyles, was a big question entering the spring, and I think they answered it."
There is still much work to be done, still plenty of positions on the depth chart to be settled entering preseason camp, but Brock is confident the coaches and players will push hard toward the ultimate goal of returning the Army program to prominence.
A spirited 30-day stretch in the spring confirmed those thoughts.
OFFENSIVE OVERVIEW
Quarterback
Stan Brock and his staff found themselves in a much different situation this spring than a year ago, when just one player David Pevoto boasted any prior varsity experience. And even that experience was extremely limited, with Pevoto having participated in just 18 varsity plays during his first two years at the Academy.
The picture vastly changed this time around with the quarterbacks responsible for all 12 starts last year with Pevoto and Carson Williams returning to the fold. While Pevoto completed 54.9 percent of his passes last fall (106-193) and threw for 1,012 yards, Williams connected on 57.1 percent of his aerial attempts and passed for 577 yards. Pevoto opened the year as the starter, lining up with the lead unit in each of the Black Knights' first eight games. He was replaced in the starting cast by Williams in November, with Army's talented freshman drawing high-visibility starts against Tulane, Air Force, Notre Dame and Navy to end the year.
Since Williams closed the 2006 season as Army's starter, Brock felt it appropriate to list the Cullman, Ala., native with the first team entering spring drills. But following that first snap in the spring, competition for the top job was renewed. Both performed well during the session, sharing snaps with the first unit throughout the month-long period, as both players gained a comfort level with the teachings of Brock and new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tim Walsh.
"Sometimes you worry about an older player like David Pevoto getting complacent after losing his starting job last year," Brock offers, "but that was not the case at all. David fought very hard this spring. He did it both in the meeting room and out on the field. I think he showed great improvement throughout the spring. I like his size and I like his toughness. I thought Carson was solid this spring as well. He received a lot of reps and gained more and more experience.
"I think both of those young men are doing a good job. It's not to say that the other quarterbacks in our program are not, but David and Carson certainly separated themselves from the others during the spring. I feel very comfortable with either one starting, and we might very well make a determination of who starts based on the person who performs best in practice the week leading up to a game."
Both David Pevoto and Carson Williams have displayed the arm strength and passing accuracy needed to flourish in Army's offensive scheme. The level of consistency at which they perform will ultimately determine the Black Knights' starter at the position.
Senior Kevin Dunn and sophomores Chase Prasnicki and Kyle Stancombe will continue to battle for placement on the depth chart behind the lead pair.
Fullback
There's not a player in the Army program that epitomizes the toughness and focused approach associated with the Black Knights' proud past more than senior fullback Mike Viti.
A 5-10, 242-pound wrecking ball of a running back, Viti oozes energy and intensity, boasting an infectious passion for the game off which teammates feed. Last year's recipient of the Black Lion Award, presented annually to the Army player "who best exemplifies the character of Don Holleder: leadership, courage, devotion to duty, self sacrifice, and above all an unselfish concern for the team ahead of himself," no one represents the heart and soul of Army’s team more than Viti.
Despite playing with chronically aching knees and an assortment of other injuries throughout the year, Army's lead fullback started all 12 games for the Black Knights last season.
The Berwick, Pa., native underwent arthroscopic knee surgery 10 days prior to the season opener against Arkansas State, but remained a key element of the Black Knights' offense all across his junior campaign. He listed third on the club in rushing (239) and fourth in pass receiving (13 catches). Most importantly, he remained a devastating blocker, positively impacting both the club's running and passing attacks.
"What can you say about Mike Viti?" says Brock. "He's everything that you'd expect from an Army football player. He plays with exceptional toughness and a strong focus. He is one of our team’s true leaders on and off the field."
Junior Collin Mooney (5-10, 236) brings quality depth to the fullback position, having drawn reserve duty in nine contests last season, including eight consecutively to end the year. A blue-collar warrior out of the same mold as Viti, Mooney lends his own brand of physicality to the Army lineup and promises to receive his share of game action this fall.
Others battling for playing time at the position include seniors Adam Renkiewicz (5-11, 242) and Christopher Nichols (5-10, 225), as well as sophomores Bryson Carl (6-0, 235), Matt Feiden (5-7, 217) and Ross Richert (6-1, 243).
Running Back
No position was hit worse by injury this spring than running back, where the top two projected players at the spot were sidelined due to physical ailments. The good news for head coach Stan Brock and his staff is that junior Wesley McMahand (5-5, 177) and sophomore Tony Moore (6-0, 228) will return to full strength in time for preseason camp.
A shifty runner with excellent speed and quickness, McMahand topped Army in rushing last season, finishing his first year as a starter with 654 ground markers. He was complemented by the bruising running of Moore, who displayed a grinding running style en route to an impressive freshman showing. Moore closed his rookie campaign with 399 yards rushing, adding 10 receptions for 120 yards out of the backfield. Despite missing the majority of spring workouts due to injuries, McMahand with shoulder troubles and Moore with a hip problem, the pair is expected to battle for lead honors again this season.
Juniors Tony Dace (5-6, 187) and Carlo Sandiego (5-2, 176) capitalized on the absence of the lead duo during the spring, putting forth strong showings as they received large portions of the daily workload. Another "scat-back" type of runner, Dace showed excellent toughness running between the tackles. The same can be said for Sandiego, who possesses outstanding quickness and a valuable knack for slipping through the smallest of cracks up front. Both could force their way on to the field this season as Brock and his staff shuttle several players through the position, employing a "running back by committee" approach to playing time.
"We have some very talented running backs," Brock mentions. "We can throw several different players at our opponents and just keep hammering them. For the most part, they're not real big, but they're quick. It's going to be running back by committee.' We'll just keep sending different players at our opponents and see how they handle it.
"We really like what we see from the group. We think they can be very productive within our offensive system. We should have a lot of different options at running back."
Sophomore Ian Smith (5-8, 188) figures into the mix after responding well to a heavy workload this spring. Sophomores Justin Turner (5-8, 156) and Nicholas Sabellico (5-9, 198) could also earn playing time this fall.
Wide Receiver
Two-year starter Jeremy Trimble returns to anchor the wide receiver grouping once again after leading the Black Knights in receptions and receiving yards each of the past two seasons. The sure-handed senior earned All-America recognition as a punt returner last fall, but made an even larger impact on Army's passing game, registering 52 receptions for 534 yards.
"Jeremy Trimble stepped forward and had a great spring as you would expect," expresses head coach Stan Brock. "He is solid in every facet of the game and sets a tremendous example for the younger players in the program with the way he goes about his business."
Already ranked third on Army's career receptions list (114) and fourth in receiving yardage (1418), Trimble remains one of the Black Knights' most dangerous offensive weapons with his ability to routinely turn in big plays. The Ashburn, Va., native heads a pass-catching corps that includes letterwinners Corey Anderson and Mike Wright, as well as veteran Elliott Emerich.
One of the most pleasant surprises this spring was the development of Damion Hunter, a sophomore speed merchant who opened eyes with his "big-play" ability a year ago. Hunter injects a dangerous deep threat into the Black Knights' lineup with his ability to stretch the field vertically. He will enter preseason camp listed as the starter opposite Trimble at the "X" receiver spot and could double as Army's chief kickoff returner as well.
"Damion Hunter was probably the biggest surprise of camp during the spring," Brock lauds. "He struggled at times last year, but when you're a freshman at West Point, things can be overwhelming. I saw some things on the field by Damion this spring that I have not seen from one of our players before. We need someone that can challenge defenses from a speed standpoint, and we feel Damion can do that. He has a burst that you can't teach, and he's improved his pass-catching ability. I was very impressed with him this spring."
Anderson and Wright return after shouldering significant playing time for the Black Knights last fall. Anderson averaged 10.6 yards on eight receptions, while Wright closed sixth among team leaders with nine catches. Both should see appreciable playing time this season.
"With Trimble, Hunter, Anderson, Wright and Emerich, I feel like we have a pretty solid group of receivers. I like the different looks we'll be able to give our opponents with that group of players."
Rounding out the depth chart at the position will be senior Andy Mazeika, juniors Joe LeForte, Todd Olson and Tim Horan, and sophomores Don Gbaanador and Brian McSween.
Tight End
Despite the graduation of two-year starter Tim Dunn, Army returns a strong cast of candidates at tight end, headed by talented senior Justin Larson (6-5, 228). Primarily a special teams contributor during his first two seasons in the Black, Gold and Gray, Larson emerged as a viable pass-catching threat last fall. He finished the season with five receptions and hauled in his first career touchdown pass against Connecticut.
Junior Mike Evans (6-1, 238), a converted fullback, adapted nicely to his new surroundings last season after switching positions in the spring. The bruising blocker made a large impact in his first season at tight end and provides a gifted complement to Larson in short-yardage situations. Evans missed much of this past spring due to a knee injury, but should be at full strength in time for the outset of preseason camp.
Others that have emerged as contenders for playing time include senior Simon Youngblut (6-5, 290), junior Dominic Cinotto (6-5, 248) and sophomores Ernie Bernal (6-3, 242) and J.D. Ybanez (6-3, 212). All enjoyed strong performances this spring and promise to factor into Army’s three-deep this fall.
"Justin Larson is our starter at tight end, but Mike Evans can play," states head coach Stan Brock. "He's going to be very, very special. I also like the younger players in our program. Dominic Cinotto has done a nice job stepping forward and Ernie Bernal is a fantastic blocker. I feel very good about the tight end position from both a blocking and receiving standpoint."
Offensive Line
One of head coach Stan Brock's greatest areas of concern entering the spring rested in the offensive line where he and his staff were faced with the daunting task of replacing four veteran starters from last year's squad.
But the transition proceeded smoothly thanks to the return of several battle-tested line candidates who have received plenty of playing time in the past.
Senior Trey Miranne (6-0, 273) heads the unit from his center position, owning the necessary blend of brains and brawn to anchor the group. After battling through a host of injuries early last year, the highly regarded native of New Orleans, La., blossomed into a force midway through his junior campaign. Miranne entered the starting lineup six games into the season and remained with the lead cast over the final six contests.
Junior Brandon Cox (6-3, 297) fought through injuries as well last fall, suffering a stress fracture in his foot during preseason camp. Cox missed the season's first three games before returning in a reserve role in early October. He entered the starting lineup at left tackle late in the year and remained with the lead cast over the final three affairs. After beginning the spring battling senior Ray Zelenak (6-2, 256) for the starting berth at left tackle, Cox was shifted to left guard midway through the spring and flourished at that spot. He is listed atop the depth chart at the position entering preseason camp, his move helping to solidify the entire front wall.
Zelenak has spent much of the past two years as Army's starter at left tackle, owning 13 career lead assignments in all. Despite his smallish physical frame, Zelenak is a hard-nosed competitor who uses his above-average quickness and fiery tenacity to great advantage.
Versatile junior Mike Lemming (6-3, 281) enters preseason camp as the likely starter at right tackle following a solid spring showing. After spending much of his first two seasons bouncing between the guard and tackle spots, Lemming will focus his attention to right tackle, providing a high-ceiling replacement for graduated two-year starter Jonathan Connon.
Seniors Connor Wicklund (6-3, 284) and Seth Fabin (6-1, 294) continue to scrap for the starting berth at right guard and could split playing time this season. Wicklund drew his first career start in last year's opener against Arkansas State and provides tremendous versatility to the Black Knights' fortunes up front. Fabin, meanwhile, doubles as Miranne's chief understudy at center and could see action at both center and guard this fall.
"The offensive line jelled very well during the spring," Brock explains. "The key to it all was Ray Zelenak stepping forward to earn the starting job at left tackle. That allowed us to move Brandon Cox to left guard. I was very happy with both of their performances this spring, as well as that of Mike Lemming at right tackle and Connor Wicklund and Seth Fabin at right guard.
"Overall, it's a young and unproven group, but I feel very comfortable with our starting five. Those five guys are very solid, but we're not real deep. We're going to have to improve throughout the year and we're going to have to develop depth with some of our younger players."
Some of those younger players include sophomores Joe Muldoon (6-6, 282) and Jason Johnson (6-1, 267), and junior Tyson Quink (6-3, 257). That trio will be counted on to lend high-quality depth to the starting group.
DEFENSIVE OVERVIEW
Defensive Line
Army head coach Stan Brock and defensive coordinator John Mumford will be dealing from an area of strength along the defensive line, where a host of veteran, battle-tested warriors reside.
Three-year starter Tony Fusco (6-1, 303) heads the group, returning to a lead defensive tackle position he has maintained since his sophomore year. A burly run-stuffer, Fusco boasts the strength and determination to hold the point, consistently absorbing double-teams with his durable, stout frame. The native of Watertown, Conn., ranked sixth among team tackle leaders last fall and tied for third in tackles for loss. He has started 22 contests throughout his Army career and should tack on to that list significantly this fall.
After spending much of his career at defensive end, senior John Wright (6-1, 259) was shifted to defensive tackle late last year. Wright adapted nicely to the move, providing the Black Knights' coaching staff with improved depth inside. Wright owns 10 career starts and made eight last season, all at defensive end.
Joining that duo up front will be former University of Iowa transfer Ted Bentler (6-3, 251). Bentler spent his first two years in college as a member of the Hawkeyes' gridiron program, lettering as a redshirt freshman in 2005. The high-energy defender wreaked havoc with Army's first team offense as a member of the scout team last fall, sitting out the year due to NCAA transfer guidelines. He features a tireless motor and a high level of toughness that will be welcome along the Black Knights' defensive front wall. He should team with Fusco and Wright to form a solid three-man rotation inside.
Others who could see playing time at defensive tackle include hard-nosed sophomore Mike Gann (6-2, 250), who impressed with a standout showing this spring, and junior Joe Paolini (6-1, 256).
"Tony Fusco continues to do a nice job as our big man' inside," Brock expresses. "He's got the kind of size and strength necessary to take on multiple blockers at the same time. John Wright is also a fireball' in there. He gives offensive linemen fits, because he moves around quite a bit and doesn't stay in the same place very long.
"We're very excited about Ted Bentler as well. He's a guy that is both mentally and physically tough. He works hard all the time and really gave the first team offense problems last year from his position on the scout team. From a leadership standpoint, we couldn't ask for more out of a player than what Ted provides. We also like what we see from Mike Gann. He had a good spring and we think he can be a very solid player for us in the near future."
Senior Brandon Thompson (6-3, 261) has proven to be a very solid player for the Black Knights at defensive end the past two years. Hampered by a shoulder injury throughout the early portion of his junior campaign, Thompson returned to the starting lineup down the stretch and started Army's final three games. He finished with 22 tackles in just five contests, displaying flashes of the brilliance he brings to Army's stop unit.
Talented Victor Ugenyi (6-3, 262) is expected to flank Thompson at the other defensive end position after opening eyes with his athleticism and "big-play" ability as a freshman. The native of Atlanta, Ga., came on strong as his rookie season progressed, working his way on to the field during six of the Black Knights' final seven tilts. Ugenyi boasts a nose for the football and a knack for making big plays. Despite his limited playing time, the fast-rising sophomore registered 11 tackles, including two for loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one quarterback sack and one pass deflection a year ago. He carries a great deal of energy into every snap and seems to be in the middle of every pile-up on the field.
"We're very excited about the return of Brandon Thompson to full strength," Brock states. "He is a difference-maker and will bring a great deal of game experience to our lineup. Victor Ugenyi represents our only real youth up front. Victor is blessed with a great deal of natural ability and continues to increase his physical size and strength. We think he can be a very special player in our system."
Sophomore Fritz Bentler (6-4, 230), brother of Ted, seniors Evan Williams (6-3, 245) and Marcus Millen (6-0, 228), and junior David Shore (6-5, 240) also factor into the mix at defensive end.
"Overall, we're very excited about the position," Brock adds. "We think we have great quality and great depth at both the defensive tackle and defensive end spots."
Linebacker
Losing stalwarts Cason Shrode and Barrett Scruggs to graduation certainly dealt Army's defensive unit a blow. The pair ranked one-two on the squad in tackles last season and finished among the team's top three stop leaders the previous year.
But head coach Stan Brock and new linebackers coach Robert Lyles believe they have uncovered a pair of worthy replacements in senior Brian Chmura (6-0, 224) at "mike" linebacker and junior Frank Scappaticci (6-1, 222) at "will" linebacker. Chmura appeared in 10 contests while serving as Shrode's top backup last fall. Scappaticci, meanwhile, drew field duty in all 12 outings as the primary reserve behind Scruggs. Both new starters excelled this spring and will be counted on to anchor Army's middle defense in the fall.
"We knew we had some quality potential replacements in Brian Chmura and Frank Scappaticci," explains Brock, "but you don't know for certain until you actually get them out on the field. We feel very good about the way Brian and Frank performed this spring. Brian did a nice job of getting everyone where they needed to be and Frank probably had the best spring of any of our linebackers. He really improved a lot. He's a downhill' type of guy that plays with a lot of energy and has a very good feel for the game."
The same can be said for senior Charlie Rockwood (6-3, 228), the lone returning starter to the unit. Rockwood bounced back from serious knee surgery last season and performed at a high level while serving as a mainstay in the Black Knights' lead cast. He finished his junior season ranked eighth among team tackle leaders (43) and tied for third in tackles for loss (5). He will be counted on to provide valuable veteran leadership while stabilizing Army's new-look linebacking corps.
"Charlie has been in our system for three years now," Brock offers. "He understands what coach (Robert) Lyles would like to do with the position and seems to be a great fit in our scheme. I thought our situation at linebacker was a big question mark heading into the spring, but those three individuals answered it well."
Juniors John Plumstead (5-10, 217) and Arlance Jenkins (5-10, 217) represent solid understudies at the "sam" and "mike" linebacker spots, respectively. Both have shouldered significant playing time in the past, with Plumstead doubling as one of the Black Knights’ primary forces on special teams.
Senior Luke Mazgaj (5-11, 199), junior Matt Eason (6-0, 217) and sophomore Alan Sheehan (6-1, 235) should form the remaining depth at the linebacker positions.
Secondary
Army appears well-stocked in the secondary, thanks to the presence of returning starters Caleb Campbell at strong safety, Jordan Murray at free safety and John Laird at "field" cornerback. Senior Kevin Opoku, who spent the early portion of last season in Army's starting lineup, will enter preseason camp as the starter at "boundary" cornerback, providing head coach Stan Brock with an experienced lot along the defensive back line.
An All-East choice two years ago, Campbell ranks as Army's leading returning tackler despite missing the final three games of his junior campaign due to a knee injury. The native of Perryton, Tex., remains a vicious hitter with tremendous natural instincts and a nose for the football. He sat out spring drills but is expected to be at full strength in time for preseason camp.
Murray missed much of the spring as well due to a hamstring problem. The tough-minded senior was limited to just six games due to physical ailments last fall, yet still finished seventh on the team in tackles with 44 stops. When healthy, Murray and Campbell combine to form one of the strongest safety combinations the Black Knights have featured in recent years.
In their absence, seniors Ryan Brence, Brandon White and junior David Black received heavy workloads at strong safety, while senior Dennis Cooper and junior Markenson Pierre absorbed most of the repetitions at the free safety position.
"We know what Caleb Campbell and Jordan Murray can do, so the spring allowed us to get a long look at some of the other players at both positions," head coach Stan Brock states. "We were very impressed by what we saw out of players like Ryan Brence, Dennis Cooper and Markenson Pierre."
The picture is just as solid at cornerback where Laird blossomed as a force in the Black Knights' defensive backfield last fall, closing the season listed fourth among team tackle leaders (58). The hard-hitting senior developed into a rugged run-stopper last year and lends a physical element to the cornerback position. In addition to his ability to stuff the run, Laird features the speed and quickness to excel in pass coverage.
Opoku also turned in a solid effort this spring, serving as a strong complement to Laird at the "boundary" corner spot. Opoku finished with 27 tackles and three pass breakups last season, starting each of the Black Knights' first seven contests. Based on his strong showing this spring, it appears the Houston, Texas, native is primed to regain his lead role this fall.
"John Laird and Kevin Opoku performed well at cornerback," Brock says. "They just seem to get better and better with every practice. I am very confident in their abilities.
"When you're looking at safeties and corners, you just don't want them to stand out from a negative standpoint. When they're doing their job, they go unnoticed, like offensive linemen. There weren't a lot of things slipping behind the secondary this spring, and that's a very good thing."
Junior Josh Mitchell, who figures to see extensive action when Army employs its "nickel" package, serves as the primary backup to Laird at "field" corner with classmate T.J. Walker rounding out the three-deep. Promising sophomore Mario Hill, fresh off an impressive effort ths spring, is expected to push Opoku for playing time at the "boundary" position.
Specialists
While Army lost standout placekicker Austin Miller to graduation this spring, steady senior Owen Tolson returns to his familiar role as Army's lead punter. A two-year starter, Tolson boasts a booming right leg and consistently pins opponents deep in their own territory. He averaged 42.2 yards per kick last season and carries an impressive 41.1 career punting average into his final season to rank third on Army's career list. Tolson has dropped 34 kicks inside the enemy's 20-yard line during his West Point tenure, developing into a valuable special teams commodity for the Black, Gold and Gray.
Tolson could see an expanded role this season, after assuming the kickoff duties vacated by Miller this spring. He will continue to battle for placekicking chores as well, though head coach Stan Brock would prefer for another candidate to claim those responsibilities.
"Owen Tolson could probably handle it all," Brock offers, "but I don't think it's fair to ask him to take all that on, and I'm not sure that I'd want him to do it all, quite honestly. We will enter preseason camp with Owen as our punter and kickoff specialist. The placekicking job will sort itself out during the weeks leading up to the season. We have several younger players that we want to continue to look at in that area."
Those players include juniors Adam DeMarco and Andrew Rinehart. Rinehart served as Army's holder for placements and extra points last season and remains Tolson’s chief backup at punter.
Jeremy Trimble emerged as a dangerous punt return weapon last year, copping All-America honors in his first season handling those duties. An exciting playmaker with the skilled ability to make the first defender miss, Trimble regularly ripped off long punt returns for the Black Knights last fall. He averaged 18.1 yards per return while becoming only the second West Pointer since Glenn Davis to return two punts for touchdowns in the same season.
While Trimble is the clear-cut choice to return punts, no similar candidate exists in the kickoff return game. Army boasts several players on its 2007 roster that have handled those responsibilities in the past, with seniors Corey Anderson (who missed most of spring practice due to injury) and Anton McDuffie heading the list. But speedy sophomore Damion Hunter could be the frontrunner entering preseason camp after catching the eye of the coaching staff with his explosive burst this spring. Hunter features blazing speed, excellent quickness and the ability to find a crease in kick coverage. "Scat-back" junior Carlo Sandiego should also receive a long look during preseason camp with Trimble remaining a reliable insurance policy, if needed.
"Our return game was very solid last year," Brock says. "Jeremy Trimble is a threat to score a touchdown every time he fields a punt, and we're real anxious to get Damion Hunter back on kickoff returns. I love his speed. He had a lot on his plate as a freshman, but he played with great confidence this spring. It takes a special attitude to succeed as a kickoff returner. You've got to be extremely disciplined and mentally tough. I think Damion has those qualities."
