Mids getting boost from QB, fullbacks
Navy needed improvement at quarterback and fullback in order to perform more effectively as an offense.
The Midshipmen did not get the consistent production needed out of either position last season, which partially explains why they ranked 110th out of 129 Football Bowl Subdivision schools in total offense and 95th in scoring offense.
For a triple-option team, it all starts with the fullback dive and the quarterback keeper. Establishing those two elements opens the door for the slotback pitch and play-action pass to get going.
Early indications are that Navy is much better in the backfield as quarterback Malcolm Perry and fullback Nelson Smith lead the team in rushing with 184 and 148 yards, respectively. Perry has accounted for seven touchdowns (five rushing, two passing) while Smith has three scores.
Perry played the role of distributor during the opener against Holy Cross, handing off to the fullbacks 25 times and pitching to the slotbacks 25 times as Navy amassed 428 rushing yards during a 45-7 rout.
Perry called his own number just 10 times, which marked a dramatic departure from last season when he averaged 21 carries through five games as the starting quarterback.
“Malcolm was in complete command of the offense. He knew what we were running, saw things that were happening across the line of scrimmage and made all his checks,” Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo said of Perry’s performance in the opener. “I was pleased with the way Malcolm played overall — running the option, getting us in the right play, getting the ball dealt and throwing the football.”
Following a slow start, Smith got stronger as the Holy Cross game went along and wound up rushing for 96 yards and three touchdowns. The 5-foot-9, 212-pound junior showed superb burst and impressive finishing speed in breaking loose for a career-long 49-yard scoring scamper.
“I was really pleased with how physically Nelson ran in the first game. There were times when the linebackers stayed in there and he kind of bulldozed for some yards,” Niumatalolo said. “We always have to get the fullback going to keep the defense honest. Nelson provided that inside running presence we need.”