Simulating Navy's triple option a tough task for ECU

[IE]

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Skip Holtz hopes a few more days of simulation will prepare his team for a truly unique season opener.

So far, East Carolina's preparation for Saturday's tilt at Navy has been a tedious operation in mimicry of a team that will line itself up in a manner different from all 11 remaining opponents on the Pirates' 2006 schedule.So far, Holtz only wishes his paste-up, practice version of the Navy triple-option offense could carry out the impersonation with the same speed and pace as the team that awaits in Annapolis, Md., for a 5:30 p.m. kickoff.

"The most difficult thing is we're having such a hard time simulating that look," said Holtz, who finished his first season at East Carolina 5-6. "We can't give it to them (in practice) at the speed at which we're going to see it. I watched the scrimmage on Friday night, and then right after the scrimmage I put on one of (Navy's) game films from last year. It's a whole different speed."

In terms of defensive personnel, a key concern of the preseason has taken on even greater importance for ECU this week. Already mindful of the missile-laden Midshipmen rush, Holtz will most likely battle without two of his projected mainstays at linebacker.

Senior transfer Orlando Farrow is already likely out for the season with an Achilles tendon injury, and joining him on the disabled list ? at least for now ? is sophomore Pierre Bell.

Seemingly at the end of a long offseason rehabilitation process from a foot injury, Bell left the team's final scrimmage early last Friday.

"We're really looking forward to Pierre Bell being a big staple at the linebacker core and really being a leader for us," Holtz said at his first press conference Monday on the ECU campus. "All of a sudden, you come out of camp and it looks like two of your starters at linebacker aren't going to be able to play because of injury."

With no official word on the length of Bell's absence, Holtz said only that "he's not out and he's not in," and gave Bell a 50-50 chance of playing Saturday.

Holtz lauded his team for what he said was a solid workout Sunday night. The team will resume duty today after Monday's scheduled off day.

Despite the uncertainty at linebacker, the ECU coach said the units both behind and in front of the linebackers have made enough to strides to give him faith in his defense.

"Coach (Donnie) Thompson has done a good job of creating some depth up front with our front four, and I think coach (Rick) Smith has done an excellent job with the secondary," Holtz said. "That's where we have our experience and our depth ... that's what we have to rely on."

On offense, the spotlight Saturday will likely be on the Pirates' other area of concern ? the offensive line.

Three players will make their first collegiate starts at their respective positions there.

"Terence Campbell has played zero football here, Josh Coffman hasn't played at all on the offensive line and then Thomas Wingenbach played maybe the last couple games last season and that's about it," Holtz said. "We need a maturity pill."

 

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Boatload of focus for Navy
<Mids work to avoid complacency after rebuilding success



A few days into preseason camp, head coach Paul Johnson stood in front of the Navy players and told them a story about the 1993 Hawaii team.

In 1992, Hawaii compiled a 10-2 record and beat Illinois in the Holiday Bowl. The Rainbows returned 17 starters from that squad the next season, but struggled to a disappointing 6-6 mark.

"The kids got complacent. They'd won big the year before and thought it was automatically going to happen again," said Johnson, who was Hawaii's offensive coordinator at the time. "We lost a couple close games early in the season and the bottom fell out."

Standing nearby, Navy assistant coach Ivin Jasper nodded his head in agreement. Jasper was a senior quarterback and slot back on that Hawaii team that underachieved in '93.

Johnson used that example because it could apply to this year's Navy club. The Midshipmen have 17 starters and 37 lettermen returning from last year's squad that went 8-4 and whipped Colorado State in the Poinsettia Bowl.

But as the investment commercial disclaimer says: Past performance is not an indication of future success.

"We've got to remember how we got to where we are? through a lot of hard work, determination and grit," Johnson said. "If you think you're just going to roll you helmet out there because you played and won last year, that's not a good thing."

Johnson would like to see the same attitude displayed by last year's team, which he said played hungry and a little scared after losing 16 starters from 2004.

"I think it's good to play a little scared. If you're not scared you can lose, you're probably not going to play real well. For us to be good, we need to play right on the edge," Johnson said. "There is such a fine line between winning and losing and it's really easy to take a step back. We certainly don't want to do that."

Offering hope that complacency won't infiltrate the program is the presence of 35 seniors. Co-captains Rob Caldwell and James Rossi anchor an accomplished class that has helped Navy to 26 victories and three straight bowl berths.

Navy's current seniors are seeking to finish 8-0 against service academy rivals Air Force and Army while capturing the coveted Commander-in-Chief's Trophy for the fourth consecutive year.

"This class has a chance to do some really special things. They can leave their legacy on Navy football as the group that came in and helped get this program turned around," Johnson said.

Navy's goals

Senior linebacker David Mahoney, who has appeared in 37 games with 24 starts during his career, doesn't hesitate when asked to name Navy's goals this season.

"Go undefeated at home, beat Notre Dame, beat Army and Air Force to win the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy, play in a bowl game," Mahoney said.

"The success of the last three seasons goes to those seniors. Now it's our turn to leave a mark. We don't want to be the class that allows this program to take a step back."

Johnson and staff have brought in four solid recruiting classes, significantly raising the overall talent level in the program and improving depth.

"I think the program is probably on a little sounder footing right now. We have more guys that are faster and more athletic," he said. "We don't necessarily have to play perfect to win anymore."

However, the players know Navy will never be more talented - physically or athletically - than most opponents on the schedule and must still rely on intangibles.

"Every team we play is going to be bigger, stronger and faster," Mahoney said. "We have to win by being tougher, smarter and more disciplined. We need to execute our game-plan and not make mistakes."

In terms of personnel, there aren't many question marks. Quarterback Lamar Owens was the most significant loss on offense while left end Jeremy Chase and inside linebacker Jake Biles are the only starters that must be replaced on defense.

Johnson has won with three different quarterbacks at Navy (Craig Candeto, Aaron Polanco, Owens) and senior Brian Hampton has the tools to continue that legacy.

Hampton, who appeared in all 12 games last season and performed well, has been solid throughout preseason camp. He's been making most of the right reads in the triple-option offense while displaying improved decision-making.

"Brian should be ready. He knows what to do and has the ability to execute the running and passing game," Johnson said. "Brian just has to eliminate the stupid mistakes."

Navy has never finished lower than third nationally in rushing offense during Johnson's tenure. The vaunted triple-option led the country with an average of 318 yards per game on the ground in 2005.

Weapons

Hampton is surrounded by plenty of weapons as he takes over an attack that averaged 34 points per game in 2005 (15th nationally).

Lightning-quick slot back Reggie Campbell accounted for a team-high 1,115 yards a year ago. He set an NCAA bowl game record with five touchdowns against Colorado State.

There are two talented players returning at fullback. Senior Matt Hall started seven games and rushed for 493 yards before his season was cut short by a knee injury. Junior Adam Ballard replaced Hall for the final three games and piled up 688 yards.

Ballard, who rumbled for 192 yards and two touchdowns against Army, has solidified his hold on the starting job with a strong preseason and appears quicker and faster after losing some weight.

"As an offense, I just hope we pick up where we left off. Toward the end of the season, we were really rolling," Ballard said. "Personally, I'm hungry to prove that I deserve to be the starter and that what I did toward the end of last season wasn't a fluke."

Senior wide receiver Jason Tomlinson is steady and reliable, having compiled career numbers of 51 receptions for 833 yards. He is also a competent punt returner.

Rossi, a third-year starter at center, anchors an offensive line that features four returning starters. Tough, nimble guard Antron Harper and strong, athletic tackle Matt Pritchett may be Navy's best offensive linemen.

"The offensive line has been playing great all camp. Getting good push and opening up huge holes," Ballard said. "They know where to go, they play hard, they get on the ground and get dirty. I've been very impressed."

Solid defense

Caldwell, who ranked 10th nationally in tackles per game in 2005 and was tabbed a third team preseason All-American by Athlon's, is the leader of a defense that seems solid in all areas. The 6-foot, 229-pounder recorded a team-high 140 tackles last season - seventh-highest in program history and most since Javier Zuluaga's 144 in 1993.

Mahoney has totaled 214 tackles (30.5 for loss) and 14 sacks during his illustrious career. Fellow outside linebacker Tyler Tidwell had a monstrous 2005 campaign with team highs of 19 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.

Four-year standouts Jeremy McGown and Keenan Little, both of whom can play cornerback or safety, lead a secondary that is very talented and experienced. Little ranked fourth on the team with 73 tackles and first with eight pass breakups in 2005. McGown, has piled up 154 tackles the past two seasons.

Defensive coordinator Buddy Green's biggest concern comes up front where end John Chan (53 tackles, six sacks) is the lone starter. Senior David Wright has replaced classmate Larry Cylc at nose guard while converted linebacker Tye Adams takes over the end spot vacated by Chase.

"We're not real big up front so there's the question of can we hold up physically and stop the run," Johnson said.

Placekicker Joey Bullen was very consistent in 2005, making 52 of 53 extra points and connecting on 9-of-12 field goals. Johnson remains concerned about the punting position, where former walk-on Greg Veteto must make up for the loss of Eric Shuey (38.4-yard average in 2005).

Expectations

Johnson readily acknowledges that three straight winning seasons and back-to-back bowl victories have caused many fans to expect those types of results every season.

"I'm sure the expectation level has risen in the last couple of years here, but certainly it's not going to be any higher than the expectation level we have for ourselves," he said.

Athletic director Chet Gladchuk has already reached an agreement for the program to play in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. That deal assures a bowl-eligible Navy squad will meet an Atlantic Coast Conference opponent on Dec. 30 in Charlotte, N.C.

It won't be easy to earn the seven wins needed to become bowl eligible. On paper, Navy's schedule is tougher than recent years with East Carolina, Tulsa, Stanford and Connecticut all coming in September. That's in addition to traditional rivals Air Force, Army and Notre Dame.

"We've got a very hard schedule, one that's certainly front-end loaded," Johnson said. "I guarantee you that every team on our schedule believes it can beat us."

By the same token, Navy's roster is now filled with players who have known nothing but winning during their careers and that experience can only help.

"We have a lot of guys coming back who have played a lot of football. When the game starts, they're probably not going to be all big-eyed," Johnson said. "We have some good football players on this team. Now, can we play together as a team? We'll see."

 

[IE]

Transcript of Navy Head Football Coach Paul Johnson's Comments

Following Practice On Monday, August 28



Navy head football coach Paul Johnson

Aug. 28, 2006

Q. I was actually starting to feel sorry for these guys after watching them run.

A. Me too. I felt really bad for them. That's why I let them quit.

Q. You were obviously pushing them hard.

A. We were doing sprints. We sprint them every Monday. We had the weekend off and we needed the work. We will start to gear back down as the week goes on. Monday is our last heavy day of conditioning.

Q. Most of these guys are in pretty good shape but what you just put them through, there were some guys that were hurting pretty bad at the end.

A. That's a lot of running in full pads. We normally don't do it in full pads during the season. I didn't intend to run that many. We were going to run three and we didn't find a way to make our time so we had to add one.

Q. Was the overall intensity and preparation where you wanted it to be?

A. The start of practice was pretty good I thought. We didn't carry it through, but the start of practice was pretty good.

Q. Talk about some of the edges that Brian has shaved off over the last couple of weeks.

A. I think he's gotten more reps and any time you do that it's a positive. We take a lot of live reps and he's gotten to play a lot during fall camp. He's run a ton of plays. I mean today we must have run 45 option plays live in 20 minutes. He's seen a lot of live reps so hopefully he will get better.

Q. What's he better at than say three weeks ago?

A. You hope he's better at just handling the ball, fundamentals, and all the little things. Being aware of which way to go, what to look for, all those things. Like I said, he's had a lot of reps.

Q. What worries you primarily about East Carolina?

A. Everything.

Q. Besides everything.

A. They are going to be big and athletic. They have good skill on offense. They are going to be big on defense. I think they run pretty good. It will be a big challenge so we'll see. That's why they play the games, to see what happens.

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Q. Their program made a pretty good leap last year from the year before. Do you think Coach Holtz is doing a pretty good job?

A. I think he's doing a great job. Any time you go on and get a change like he did last year you did a tremendous job.

Q. Since this is your first meeting with them and you've never seen their personnel live does that make it more uncertain?

A. It doesn't matter who you're playing you are always jittery before the first game. I don't know what we have. It's our first game.

Q. Are you glad that it's finally game week?

A. This is why you work all year and this is why the players work all year and I know they are excited about playing and I'm excited to see what we have as a football team. Who's going to step forward? Who can you count on to make plays? Who's consistent? All those things.

Q. I think you're probably going to get a good challenge to figure out where you are.

A. I guarantee you that we are going to get a good challenge.

Q. It's not like you are starting out with a cupcake.

A. We are going to get all we want and then some probably.

Q. How is Keenan?

A. He's getting better every day. I think he has a chance.

Q. Would you say it's a questionable thing?

A. I have no idea. Right now if you had to list him like they do in the NFL he would be questionable. I don't know if he's questionable, probable, likely, I think he will play. Keenan's a tough kid. If there is any way possible he's going to play.

Q. Are you nervous about any aspect of your program? Are there things that after a month of camp you didn't get answered?

A. I don't know. That's why you play the games, we'll see. If I knew how it was going to turn out we wouldn't even have to play. We would just play it by mail. It would save everybody a lot of money and a lot of time. I don't know what's going to happen. If I knew what was going to happen I would get out of this business and open up shop in Vegas or something. It would be a lot easier job.

Q. You had said on Friday that if guys weren't scared that you were going to make sure they were scared on Monday. Did you accomplish your goal?

A. I don't know. Scared is different for each person. I think they respect what we are about to walk into. We have enough guys that have played that know what we're about to walk into. They know the intensity level that it will take. If they don't they will find out real quick.

Q. Are you disappointed that you aren't ranked in the Preseason Top 25.

A. (Laughter). No, I'm not.

Q. You were ranked last year at the end of the year.

A. That's good. I would rather finish the year ranked than start the year. It means a lot more. I'm not concerned about that in the least.

Q. Your Sports Information Director needs to do a better job of promoting you.

A. I think if he did a better job we would probably be ranked.

SS. I was too busy promoting Caldwell.

A. We need to see if we can get his salary cut to normal proportions.

Q. Can you make him run sprints like the team?

A. I told him today we needed to trade him for Tom McClellan at East Carolina.

Q. Was he your guy at Georgia Southern?

A. He was with me at Georgia Southern.

Q. I bet you he doesn't make as much as Strasemeier.

A. Oh, there is no way he does.

 

[blgstocks]

IE,
This reminded me of a local news report during the december break on how Pete Carrol was trying to simulate Vince Young in Shotgun formation for his defense. LOL he put his TE in the role of Vince who was slower and FARRRRR less agile. Oh and he never threw. Needless to say USC had no answer for Young and the rest and SC joke of a "3" peat are history!!!!!! Oh it still feels wonderful to say that.

ANYWAY..... just thought that maybe it could be the same case where IMO practicing with a cheap knockoff can actually hinder a team who sees the real deal and thinking they can do what they did in practice to stop it.