Comfortable position
P.J. Volker enters his second year as Navy defensive coordinator in an enviable position. The Midshipmen return seven starters and 22 lettermen on that side of the ball. Also, the entire defensive coaching staff remains intact
Having experienced players and coaches gave Volker a certain comfort level going into spring camp.
“We’ve got a lot of depth coming back and what that’s enabled us to do is dive further into the schemes,” Volker said. “I’m really fortunate that I have everyone back on the defensive staff. That continuity enables us to hit the ground running a bit more.”
Volker acknowledged that he’s more comfortable after having a year’s worth of experience on the job. He entered spring drills in 2023 having to prove himself a worthy successor to Brian Newberry, whose performance in the position earned a promotion to head coach.
“I’d be remiss if I didn’t say I don’t feel a heck of a lot more comfortable. There was a lot of anxiety at times last year because it was my first time doing any of those things,” Volker said.
Volker said the primary goal for the defense during spring practice was to build the culture. Newberry preaches playing with elite effort, attitude and toughness (EAT) and Volker called that “the foundation of everything we do here.”
“Another thing we’ve talked about is building on our style of play and our pillars defensively,” Volker said. “We want to be an even better fundamental football team on the defensive side of the ball. That means our tackling, our block destruction, our ball disruption and our fixation to detail.”
Navy defensive coordinator P.J. Volker talks to players during Navy’s spring “Eggxtravaganza” open practice and fan fest on April 8, 2023, at NavyMarine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Navy must replace four defensive starters — nose guard Donald Berniard Jr., tackle Clay Cromwell, inside linebacker Will Harbour and outside linebacker Xavier McDonald.
Current sophomore Landon Robinson, who had four sacks and 4 ½ tackles for loss in limited duty last season, is the heir apparent at nose guard.
He was the only nose guard in FBS to play on the kickoff coverage unit.
Two other sophomores — Kendall Whiteside and Tyler Narayan — are battling for the starting spot at defensive tackle.
“[Defensive line coach Jerrick] Hall has done as good a job as any coach here as far as developing his room. I think a perfect example of that is Landon Robinson,” Volker said. “Landon gets in there and gets a little bit of action last season in our dime package and was extremely productive.”
Volker said he sees a bunch of down linemen who are going to be good players.
Among them is Terrence McCauley, who finished his freshman season third on the depth chart at nose guard.
The Mids lost both the starter and backup at the hybrid outside linebacker spot known as striker as McDonald split time with Eavan Gibbons.
Rising junior Jaxson Campbell, who was listed third on the depth chart throughout last season, will get first crack at winning the job.
However, he is competing with two other converted safeties in rising senior Riley Bergeson and rising junior Jasean McLean. Volker is confident outside linebackers coach Ricky Brown will develop all three players into competent strikers.
“All of those guys are raw and green. We have a lot of work to do with those guys, but I think they’re up to the challenge,” Volker said. “We ask a lot of that position and we’ve got to impact football games at that position.”
Rising senior Jianni Woodson-Brooks and rising junior Trey Jamison were second and third on the depth chart behind Harbour at both inside linebacker spots at the end of last season. Rising senior Kyle Jacob will also be in the mix when he returns for preseason practice.
Volker, who coaches the inside linebackers along with Brent Wimberly, also mentioned current sophomores Liam Barbee, Elijah
Oatsvall and Ian Pourciau as being in the mix.
Current freshman Job Grant has stepped up and opened some eyes so far this spring.
“He plays our style of football. I’m really excited about him,” Volker said.
In his initial meeting with the entire unit, Volker made it clear that 2024 must be a breakthrough year for the Navy defense.
“We’ve been knocking on the door. We’d come in every Monday after games and say we’re this close. We’re done with that. It’s over. There are no excuses. We’ve got to break through and get the job done this year,” Volker said.
“What I want to see when we look at the tape is that it’s a blur with 11 gold helmets flying around to the football while playing smart, playing fast, playing violent and playing together.”