Things to watch(Army v Navy)

QB Play

 Despite both teams making the championship game last season neither team has their “answer” at quarterback. Army won the league title last season despite of Sr QB Ryan Sullivan not because of him and Navy had their issues all season with Sr QB Brayden Chmiel. Both QBs do some things well. Sullivan is good with the short passing game, can dink and dunk with the best of them and Chmiel is maybe the most electrifying rushing QB in league history. Chmiel has the most rushing yards by a QB in CSFL history(1258) and should only further the gap between himself and the next closest guy in his final season. Despite some positive things these two QBs bring to their football teams they both have issues in their games that keep them from being elite at the position. Both guys got benched throughout last season because of their lack of production. Sullivan has the experience edge on his backup Jr JC Watson but the young QB far more intriguing as a QB prospect. Sullivan also hasn’t shown the ability to consistently push the ball down the field, he’s far more comfortable in the short passing game, Heavy stick, screens, and hitches. Chmiel has his issues as well. The Sr QB has gotten worse in almost every major passing category since his freshmen season. Now some of that may be due to the fact that there has been a lack of talent at the receiver position, Navy hasn’t had a great receiver since 2015 grad Matthew Hite. But at the same time Chmiel’s arm and ball placement have not been consistent. Last year Chmiel didn’t have a single game with 10 completions and he only had one game with 100+ yards. Both QBs have major flaws, it’ll be interesting to see if either guy has improved over the offseason. Each one of these guys has some pride to play for because both head coaches have shown they will pull them if they aren’t getting it done. The QB situation will be a must watch for both teams.

Army WRs v NAVY DBs

This is the marque position group matchup. For Army they have Jr WR Kraig Hamilton who I think will have a breakout season and the extremely underutilized Sr WR Nitai Chun. Army will have some other guys chip in but those two will be the guys to watch. The Navy secondary is led by Sr CB Grant Hooper who is arguably the best corner in the league and across from him is Jr DB Adam Weissenfels who is very versatile and good enough to be the top corner on most teams. Army likes to spread the ball around but come crunch time they are going to feed their guy. I’m predicting the top guy for both fall exhibition games as well as the spring season will be Kraig Hamilton. On the flip side Navy will keep Hooper to his one side of the field for most of the game but come crunch time Hooper will be on the best receiver. I personally am looking forward to this matchup the most. There is only one maybe two other matchups that will have a competitive 1 v 1 me vs you  like Hooper lined up on Hamilton will prove to be. This is definitely a matchup to keep your eyes on.

Navy Playmakers? V Army Big 3

Offensively Navy needs guys to step up if they hope to beat Army. Outside of Sr QB Braydan Chmiel who we discussed earlier Navy doesn’t have much proven fire power. Sr OL Cameron Jackson and Sr OL Jim Kenneally are both great linemen who will tasked with slowing down Army star DE Navonte Dean who led the CSFL in sacks(10.5). Behind Dean is Sr LB Tate Blessinger who is one of the best mike backers in the CSFL and led Army in tackles(40). Championing the secondary is Sr DB Ryan Leach who in my mind is the best safety in the CSFL and was tied for the most interceptions(7). Dean, Blessinger, and Leach stir the pot defensively for Army. Navy doesn’t have anyone who is that caliber of player on their offense. One player who could really pop and be that guy is So RB Alex Totta. The young RB was featured on my “Breakout Candidates” list released a few months ago. Totta has what it takes to be an explosive play maker, what remains to be seen is if he has what it takes to be a feature back. I’m not going to bet against Totta but he has his work cut out for him with these fall exhibition games. Even if Totta pops Navy will still need help from someone on the outside. Navy doesn’t have a single receiver returning who had 10 or more receptions or even 200+ yards. Someone will have to step up if Navy hopes to put points on the board outside of a Chmiel scramble or designed run. Navy will be looking to find their next star while the Army defense has stars on all three levels.

The two teams are slated to play two fall games separate from a the planned spring season. The first of these two matchups will be on October 4th the second will be on October 18th.