Maintaining the standard

Navy’s defense was outstanding throughout the 2022 campaign. The Midshipmen ranked sixth nationally in rushing defense, a feat made more impressive by the fact they faced three of the top 10 ground attacks in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Navy also finished eighth in fewest first downs allowed, 20th in sacks, 22nd in fumbles recovered and 30th in total defense. Volker now faces the challenge of maintaining the high standard.

“Nobody can put more pressure on me than myself. I’m going to take this ball and run with it,” he said. “We’re going to continue to build on the dominant defense that we’ve had here and it’s going to be something the Navy football family and community will be proud of.”

Volker said he and Newberry have already discussed play-calling this week. Volker said he has always watched film through the lens of a defensive coordinator, asking what plays he would call in certain situations.

“I’ve watched film for 18 years with the thought process that at some point this could happen. Just being prepared for whenever that opportunity came along,” he said. “[Calling plays] is something I relish and can’t wait to do. I’m really, really looking forward to it.”

Volker revealed that he will continue to coach the inside linebackers. Navy had strong inside linebacker play this season with Volker rotating Will Harbour and Jianni Woodson-Brooks at the Mike position, and Colin Ramos and Tyler Fletcher at Will.

“I want to have my hands on those guys because they control a lot of the things we do out there,” he said. “I think it will make the transition easier for me and I think I bring a level of expertise that will help those guys continue to grow.”

It was an interesting decision considering Newberry gave up coaching a position last season in order to focus on big-picture issues. Newberry had always coached the safeties while simultaneously serving as defensive coordinator.

In this case, Volker’s knowledge and expertise of the inside linebacker position was too valuable to lose. He called it a “very complicated, very nuanced” position to play within the Navy defensive system.

“I want there to be as little change as possible. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” Newberry said. “P.J. loves coaching the inside linebackers and is very good at doing it. I also think the culture in that inside linebacker room is important and P.J. brings a lot to the table in terms of that piece.”

Volker will be taking over a unit that will have tremendous experience and depth in 2023. Navy returns 10 starters on that side of the ball with outside linebackers John Marshall and Nicholas Straw the lone losses. The defensive line, inside linebacker corps and secondary remain intact.

“I’m jacked because we have a ton of talent returning,” Volker said.