Army Spring Depth Chart Review: O-Guards

At the guard position, Army returns several veterans and some promising young players. Look inside to get the full scoop on the Black Knight offensive guards following spring drills.

Guards
Starters: LG Frank Allen #79 Sr., RG Matt Villanti #71, Sr.
Back ups: LG Jon Szott #77 Jr., RG Steve Shumaker #70, So.
Player to Watch: Zach Reichert #75 Jr.
Senior left guard Frank Allen is expected to return as the starting left guard for the third straight year.

The physical Frank Allen continues to be a rock of stability at left guard. Allen (6-4, 275) maintains great pad level and can knock people off the line of scrimmage.

Matt Villanti (6-3, 278) missed spring while recovering from off season surgery. After Joe Bailey's season ending injury last fall, Matt started at right guard the last six games last year. Villanti is similar in size to Allen but isn't as athletic and doesn’t move as well. Villanti better hope his injury doesn't turn him into Army's version of Wally Pip.

With Villanti out, sophomore right guard Stephen Shumaker played very well with the first team. Shumaker was a teammate of Ryan Powis on the talented offensive line at the United States Military Academy Prep School in 2010. The six foot, 280 pound Milford, Connecticut native is strong, explosive and surprisingly quick. He is very fast firing off the ball. Stephen has a short, fire hydrant type build that belies his athleticism. Ian Shields says “He's a good player, he's physical and he's explosive getting out of his stance. He's fundamentally sound. It's going to be a healthy competition there [at right guard] when Matt gets back”.

Backing up Frank Allen is Jon Szott. He is a player we mentioned as one to watch last spring. John is 6-3, 265 pounds and very powerful. Szott moves well and is a good athlete.

The player to watch is junior Zach Reichert. Reichert is 6-foot-2, 251 pounds and took advantage of extra reps he received during camp with Villanti out. He moved up the depth chart. Reichert moves well and has solid technique.