Shot at redemption
Exactly two years later, Arline will make his second start against Army at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, which was supposed to be the site of the 2020 game before it was moved due to the pandemic.
“I’m glad I am getting that opportunity again. I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure I don’t have that feeling again,” he said.
Arline went into 2021 spring practice as the starter and wound up losing the job to classmate Tai Lavatai, who started 10 games last season. Arline made two starts when Lavatai was injured, but the latter solidified his hold on the job by leading Navy to a 17-13 victory over Army.
Relegated to backup status, Arline asked the coaching staff for permission to play lacrosse last spring and was allowed to skip spring camp to do so. He originally chose the Naval Academy because it was the only Division I school that offered an opportunity to play both sports. Arline was rated the No. 5 overall recruit in the Class of 2020 by Inside Lacrosse.
Injuries limited Arline to six games (five starts) last lacrosse season, but he made a major impact in the biggest game of the year. Arline repeatedly beat his defender from behind and totaled a career-high four points on two goals and two assists as Navy upset sixth-ranked Army, 12-11, in overtime.
Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo believes it’s a positive that Arline has been part of a Navy victory over Army regardless of the sport and the quarterback agrees.
“Pressure is pressure and having to perform in that atmosphere only adds to my level of experience,” Arline said.
Niumatalolo and quarterbacks coach Ivin Jasper put together a special package of plays for Arline to run during last season’s Army-Navy football game. Arline entered the contest on the third play of the opening possession and picked up 10 yards on a keeper. However, he suffered a hamstring injury during the run and was sidelined the rest of the way.
“It was hard to deal with at the time,” Arline said of getting hurt so early in the Army-Navy game. “It’s easy to ask why me. My faith was definitely being tested.”
Playing lacrosse uplifted Arline’s spirits in many respects and he returned to football with renewed focus, determined to once again challenge Lavatai for the starting spot. Although disappointed at the decision that was ultimately made, he went about being the backup in a businesslike manner.
Battling back
Jasper said Arline always practiced like he was the starter while taking repetitions with the second huddle. That approach paid dividends after Lavatai went down with a season-ending knee injury during the Temple game.
Arline raced 23 yards for the winning touchdown in overtime as Navy beat Temple, 27-20, on Senior Day.
There were worries among the faithful as Navy entered a brutal three-game November stretch with a backup quarterback at the helm. Those concerns proved unfounded as Arline did an outstanding job directing the offense during close losses to Cincinnati and Notre Dame before leading the upset of UCF.
Niumatalolo is calling more triple-option plays with Arline under center than he did with Lavatai. Jasper said the 5-foot-9, 176-pound junior brings an added dimension to the attack with his perimeter running ability.
“Xavier has played really well in all three games he has started. I’m encouraged because I can see the game slowing down for him,” Niumatalolo said. “I think Xavier is doing a great job operating the offense and we’ve been able to utilize the skill set he brings.”