The Middies do have to replace one of the program’s best quarterbacks in history in Ricky Dobbs. That job goes to senior Kriss Proctor, who has spent all but one game of his college career as a back-up. Proctor isn’t as capable of a thrower as Dobbs – the rare times that Navy actually throws the ball out of the triple-option – but is a terrific runner. For his career, Proctor has rushed for 527 yards on 85 carries, and completed 4-of-9 passes for 60 yards and an interception. Proctor started a game for an injured Dobbs last year vs. Central Michigan and rushed for 201 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown, and completed 2-of-5 passes for 33 yards. The Midshipmen return two of their top three rushers in fullback Alexander Teich and slotback Gee Gee Greene. Teich rushed for 863 yards and five touchdowns despite starting only seven games last year. Greene rushed for 492 yards and caught 18 passes for 286 yards. Overall seven starters are due back on offense.

On defense, eight starters must be replaced. The good news is one guy back is senior end Jabaree Tuani. Tuani, who's been starting since his freshman year, had 72 tackles last year, including 15.5 for loss with 5.5 sacks. Tuani ranks fifth all-time at Navy with 10.5 career sacks and sixth with 30 tackles for a loss. Senior cornerback Kwesi Mitchell is the only returning starter in the defensive backfield, having started all 13 games last year; 12 at cornerback and one at free safety.

The Middies open their season Sept. 3 vs. Delaware.

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