Army Football Talent: Patience (& Persistence) is a Virtue
Patience: the ability to wait calmly.
The ability to wait for something without getting angry or upset is a valuable quality in a person. Note: patience (noun) = the ability to wait calmly; the capacity to accept delay without getting angry | virtue (noun) = a quality or trait that most people consider to be morally good or desirable in a person.
Persistence: the quality that allows someone to continue doing something or trying to do something even though it is difficult or opposed by other people. Note: persistence (noun) = firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.
The poster child for patience and persistence in the Army football program under Head Coach Jeff Monken was WLB Jon Rhattigan.
Rhattigan toiled on special teams for his first 3 years in the program while he patiently waited his turn to start behind 3-year starter and former Army Co-Captain (and current special teams player on the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs), Cole Christiansen.
Rhattigan finally got his chance as a senior in 2020 and he didn’t waste his opportunity. He was named a 2nd team All-American by USA Today and signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent. Rhattigan is still with the Seahawks in a PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) status as he rehabilitates a knee injury.
“Johnny Nation” tied for the team lead in tackles with his fellow Linebacker, Arik Smith, with 78. He also tied for the team lead with Smith in tackles for loss (TFL’s) with 9 for 40 yards. Rhattigan added 1.5 sacks for 14 yards; 2 interceptions; 2 pass break-ups and 2 fumble recoveries (also led team). He helped Captain and lead Army to the nation’s #1 defensive ranking in 2020.
But it didn’t begin or stop with Jon. Case and point, Quarterback Jemel Jones has stepped in over the last two Army games/wins and elevated the Black Knights' offense to new heights. The senior from Colony, TX has also patiently waited for his turn. He saw spot action his plebe season in 2019 against Hawaii and then watched as his teammates (Tyhier Tyler, Christian Anderson, Cade Ballard, Jabari Laws) all saw the field more than he did in 2020 and 2021.
When the 2022 season began, Jones once again found himself third on the depth chart behind Tyler and Ballard. However, Coach Monken always expressed confidence in Jones and his ability to run and lead Army’s offense if called upon. Monken has praised Jemel’s preparation and has said in numerous press conferences that Jones always prepares like he’s going to start. After the big win this Saturday over Louisiana-Monroe where Jones led the team in rushing with 96 yards and 3 touchdowns and led the Black Knights to a 48-24 comeback victory, Monken said, “It’s one thing to say that. It’s another entirely to actually do it.”
Jones has started the last two games, and like Rhattigan before him, hasn’t let his opportunities go to waste. Jones was called on to finish the Wake Forest game and since then, here’s his season stat line:
Passing:
6/15
40% completion rate
141 yards
9.4 yards/attempt average
1 touchdown
0 interceptions
Long 67 yards
QBR – 85.6
Rushing:
38 attempts
259 yards
6.8 YPC AVG
5 touchdowns
Long – 75 yards
Maybe the most impressive has been Jones’ command of the offense. Against Colgate and ULM, the offense averaged 454 yards rushing/game and 45 points…clearly Army’s best offensive production of the 2022 season.
No one knows whether Jones will start in Army’s next contest against Air Force, but he’s definitely given the coaching staff something to think about. Jones has an unselfish attitude and has shown the willingness to contribute however the team needs him to. His #1 goal is winning, regardless of who gets the credit. He is a consummate professional and team player just like Rhattigan.
In the QB’s recent interview with GBK Publisher, Charles Grevious, Jones credits his success to the advice he received from his father to “trust the process, improve 1% every day, and don’t focus on the results.” Again, easier said than done, but Jones continues to impress by following this sage advice. He also credits QB Coach Cody Worley with keeping him level-headed and not letting his emotions get the best of him when it comes to a big rivalry like Air Force in next week’s upcoming CiC tilt.
Jones and Rhattigan aren’t the only two Army players who have shown patience and persistence. As the sign in the locker room says, “Those who stay will be champions.” That’s because, unlike many other FBS programs, if a player decides to leave the team at West Point but remain at the Academy, there’s no major penalty. They don’t lose a scholarship and can continue to matriculate and graduate from West Point. Many of the seniors who have stuck it out and persisted despite limited playing time will get nothing other than the satisfaction of being part of the brotherhood for four years.
Here is a list of other current Army seniors who have stayed with the football team despite limited playing time, and have exhibited both patience and perseverance:
• D’Andre Tobias – The senior from Midlothian, VA hadn’t seen much playing time prior to the 2022 season behind stalwart Free Safety, 3-year starter, and Co-Captain Cedrick Cunningham, but he patiently waited his turn and has seen action on defense in four games this year. He has 5 tackles and 1 TFL.
• Maurice Bellan – The former fifth team QB from The Peddie School in Fulton, Md transitioned to slotback to help the team this year. Bellan has seen action in all 7 games and has 4 carries for 25 yards on the season.
• Cade Ballard – The Senior QB from Greeneville, TN has overcome multiple injuries in his career to become one of the top 2 quarterbacks for the Black Knights in most of his senior season. Cade is Army’s leading passer going 18/35 for 335 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
• Cole Mabry – The Senior OLB from Iowa City, IA has been a special teams standout throughout his career at Army but hasn’t seen much action on defense. Cole has seen action in six games this year and has 5 total tackles.
• Peyton Hampton – The Mike LB from Advance, NC has mostly been a special teams performer as he waited his turn behind superstar Arik Smith the last 3 seasons.The opportunity has presented itself for Hampton to step up and step out this year and he hasn’t disappointed, improving every game, and turning into a solid force at Mike for Defensive Coordinator, Nate Woody. On the season, Hampton has played in 6 games; made 31 total tackles; ½ TFL; and 2 passes defended.
• Fabrice Voyne – The Senior from LaQuita, CA’s Xavier College Prep has sat behind All-American Andre Carter II for the last 3 seasons, and has also shined on special teams, but with Carter’s recent injury, Voyne has filled in admirably. His talents were on display big-time against ULM this past weekend, where Voyne had 5 total tackles; 1.5 TFL’s; and 0.5 sacks.On the season, Voyne has accounted for 10 total tackles; 3.5 TFL’s; and 1.5 sacks.
• Patrick Szczesniak – The Senior long snapper from Chicago, IL’s Mount Carmel HS has sat behind his classmate, Ryan Aguilar for the last few years. Aguilar is one of the best, most accurate long snappers in recent history for Army, so Szczesniak hasn’t seen the field much. However, he remains committed and loyal to the brotherhood.
• Tyler Komorowski – The Senior NT/DL from Weirton, WV sat behind superstar NT Nolan Cockrill and other great performers on the Black Knights’ defensive line before breaking into the starting rotation at NT in 2022. “Komo” has seen playing time in all 7 games and has recorded 5 total tackles, 1 TFL, and 1 sack.
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