First Team Defense
DL: Josh McNary Army
Comments: The strength of the Army team is without a doubt along their defensive line, and their ability to put pressure on opposing teams will start with McNary. With 69 tackles last year, including 12 behind the line of scrimmage, McNary is expected to flourish in Coach Rich Ellerson’s double-eagle flex system.
DL: Victor Ugenyi Army
Comments: The senior moves from defensive end to defensive tackle in Ellerson’s system in the hope that he will become more of a run stopper up the middle for the Cadets. It’s time for the much heralded talent to produce and big things are expected of Ugenyi in his final season.
DL: Ben Garland Air Force
Comments: Even Air Force players in the pre-season are affected by Nate Frazier’s dismissal from Navy as Garland gets the last second nod on the starting service academy team. The lone returning starter along the Falcons defensive line, Garland’s size is impressive (6-5, 275) and so too is his work ethic.
DL: Jabaree Tuani Navy
Comments: Tuani had a great freshman season for the Mids, however he was definitely added by Nate Frazier’s ability to take on double-teams. With Frazier gone, Tuani will now be called upon to do more – we think he can.
LB: Stephen Anderson Army
Comments: Anderson was one of the bright spots in a season that most Army fans would like to forget. The change of scheme this year will benefit the aggressive backer and should lead to more opportunities to have an impact in opponent’s backfields.
LB: Ross Pospisil Navy
Comments: This is going to sound like a broken record but Frazier’s loss will have a huge impact up the middle on defense for Navy and that means the Mids’ defensive captain will have his hands full. If the nose tackle position isn’t filed adequately, Pospisil will need plenty of relief as the season goes on. However, 100 tackles is still a possibility.
LB: Ken Lamendola Air Force
Comments: The junior had 118 tackles last season and there is every expectation that he will surpass that number this season. With the Falcons retooling their defensive line, Lamendola will see an increased workload at least in the early part of the season.
CB: Blake Carter Navy
Comments: Blake Carter is now Navy’s best cover corner with the departure of Rashawn King and he will get tested early and often this season with early match-ups against Ohio State and Pitt. He will get plenty of help from stand-out safety Wyatt Middleton, but Navy fans hope he does not need it…much like King.
CB: Reggie Rembert Air Force
Comments: Much was expected of the dual-threat last season and the jury is still out on Rembert. He had an o.k. season, but if the Falcons want to go bowling again, they will need the junior to produce more, especially on offense. However, Rembert gets the nod here on defense as he is as talented as any member of the first-team secondary.
S: Chris Thomas Air Force
Comments: Air Force’s best player on either side of the ball, Thomas has a chance to join a very unique group of Falcon defenders if he can register more than 100 tackles for a third consecutive season. His 66 unassisted stops last season was the best in the MWC. Army and Navy will be glad to see Thomas graduate.
S: Wyatt Middleton Navy
Comments: One could make a good argument that Middleton is the best player on this team. He is a tackling machine who is always around the ball. It is hard to believe he is only a junior. Next year, he will be called upon to carry a major load. This season he just needs to be consistent.
Honorable Mention
LB: Tony Haberer Navy
LB: Michael Walsh Navy
S: Jon Davis Air Force
CB: Mario Hill Army
LB: Andrew Rodriguez Army
First Team Specialists
K: Jon Teague Navy
P: Kyle Delahooke Navy
PR: Reggie Rembert Air Force
KR: Damion Hunter Army
Offense Most Valuable Player
Nick Charles Air Force
Defense Most Valuable Player
Stephen Anderson Army
Break-Out Players
Ricky Dobbs Navy
Patrick Mealy Army
Jon Davis Air Force