Army 2010 Offense Preview: GoArmySports.com

GoArmySports.com released the first part of their 2010 preview. Today's edition deals with the offense, and it's probably as close to a must read as you get.

There are updates all around... with 8 returning on either side of the ball the notes on the backups were the most important details.

Slotback:


Following the post-spring loss of Jameson Carter, Ellerson will hold an open competition for the lead role opposite Mealy at the other slotback spot.

“Those positions have to be more dynamic and explosive. We have to find a little magic out there. Pat Mealy is absolutely in the front of one of those lines, but we are looking for some magic. We think we have stacked some younger players at the position that could force that issue."

One of those younger players upon which Ellerson will be counting is sophomore Malcolm Brown. Brown started five times as a plebe and ran for 112 yards on 26 carries. He saw action at wide receiver during spring drills, but was returned to the backfield where he is expected to challenge for a starting berth.

Offensive Line Depth:

Junior Brad Kelly, who logged significant game duty a year ago, and sophomore Tom Houser provide depth behind Merzi at left tackle, while junior Joe Bailey and senior Mike Weich rate as the top backups at left guard. Senior Thomas Hagen remains the primary reserve behind Peterson, while junior Robert Kava provides depth behind Reed and Villanti at right guard. Another seasoned veteran, junior Mike McDermott, and sophomore Derek Bisgard rate as the top backups to Johnson at right tackle.

“Bisgard moved from defense and really looks like he has a bright future along with Houser,” states Ellerson. “McDermott and Kelly have a lot more game experience and that needs to pay off for them this fall. Tom and Derek don’t know their way around the offense as well, but are gifted newcomers. That is going to be the competition.”

Fullback Depth:

While Army enters preseason camp with a newcomer sitting atop the depth chart, plenty of game experience resides at the position. Junior CeDarius Williams began the 2009 season listed as the Black Knights’ starter, but missed the majority of the season with an ankle injury. He averaged 4.3 yards per rush during his two games, but was still hobbled a bit this spring. Senior Jacob Bohn shifted from linebacker to the backfield midway through last season and gained 14 yards on three carries in limited duty.

Backup QBs:

Senior Chip Bowden boasts the most game experience beneath center of anyone listed on the Black Knights’ roster. The starter for the majority of the 2008 season, Bowden played in nine games during the 2009 campaign before suffering a season ending knee injury during a late-season showdown at Air Force. Bowden rushed 19 times for 59 yards and completed 9 of 26 throws for 106 yards and one touchdown on the year. He missed spring practice while rehabilitating his injury, but is expected back to compete for playing time during preseason drills.
Max Jenkins and Jimmy Reitter have not taken a snap under center during live game action, but both have maximized their opportunities in practice. The junior duo has displayed the ability to handle expanded roles if called upon.

“I think Max Jenkins took advantage of the spring with Chip on the sidelines,” Ellerson states. “We trust him like we trust Chip to go in and run the offense. He does everything well — he really gets it in terms of why we are doing what we’re doing. He’s probably the best, including Trent, of understanding. He can stay right with you as you start to adjust, fix and check. That’s certainly his strong suit, but the good news is that he runs well and throws well.

“Jimmy Reitter got a lot of turns this spring and demonstrated that he could compete at that position. With all his physical woes behind him, he was able to settle in and there and run the offense. It will still be competitive in the fall because we will have some freshmen come in that will be trying to get into that next spot. We have our fingers crossed to see where Chip is physically coming off his injury, but right now all arrows are pointed up.”

I count on more from GoArmySports.com soon. Is it just me, or does it feel like the 2010 season is getting close?