Midshipmen report: Notes, quotes

March 26, 2008
The Sports Xchange

Notes, quotes · Inside slant · Strategy and personnel

SPRING OBJECTIVES
To continue the transition from Paul Johnson to one of his assistants, Ken Niumatalolo, which shouldn't be a major transition as Johnson left things in great shape. Navy needs to continue building the confidence on defense that increased at the end of last season.

"The last three games I thought we played well," he said of the defense, which was battered by injury and opposition last year. The group is healthier as it returns.

BUILDING BLOCKS
QB Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada makes the whole thing go for Navy, to the tune of 1,786 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns last year. He has 22 rushing TDs in his career. Fullback Eric Kettani ran for 880 yards and 10 TDs. Safety Jeff Deliz and linebacker Clint Sovie return to lead the defense.

SCHEDULE SITUATION
Four of the first six games are on the road. After opening with Towson in Annapolis, Navy goes to Ball State. The Cardinals have the potential to surprise in the MAC and beyond. The next week at Duke isn't as daunting but a visit from Rutgers and visits to Wake Forest and Air Force will be challenges. An off week follows before Pitt, SMU and Temple come calling in three straight weeks with Notre Dame in Baltimore two weeks later.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"It's a bottom-line profession. People say, 'There must be pressure to keep winning.' To me, that hasn't changed. It's always been about winning. I understand college football is big business and I don't have a problem with that. You've got to win. I'm a competitive guy. I hate to lose." -- New Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo on moving from assistant to head coach at the Naval Academy.