On grass and turf covered fields at colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher learning across the nation each spring comes the clack-clack of cleats and rustling of pads, the snapping of chin straps on helmets, as young men gear up to strike their fury on their own teammates in preparation future competition.  The muffled bumps of footballs hitting the ground as punters practice and balls are thrown to various drill spots; the piercing whistles keeping time, schedule, starting plays, and stopping piles on dirt from growing higher.  All the while players are digging deep and finding identity, both in the lineup and in themselves.

For most, there is no question of what the fall will bring other than competition and how well they will stack up – against their teammates, and against their opponents.  But for others, the questions run deeper.

It was not long ago that the question of the Virginia Military Academy's (VMI) status as a Division 1-AA football program was up in the air.  The leadership on Post saw something or a group of things that indicated a desire and a push to make football the only intercollegiate sport played by the Keydets something below the Division I level.  VMI would be fighting for their place in the overall landscape of college football.

Three years ago, the Army Black Knights were competing with more than just their opponents on the football field.  They were fighting with perception, they were fighting with respect, and they were fighting with their own confidence.  They suffered through 13 losses in a single season.  They suffered through waning support and media scrutiny.  They suffered through internal turmoil.  They, too, heard the rumors of dropping in levels of competition.  Was it time for the mighty Army football team to be relegated to D-1AA status?  Could they ever compete at the premier 1-A level?  The answer to the latter, as we know now, is a resounding yes.  Fueled by their field mentor and leader, Head Coach Bobby Ross, Army took their first spring and changed the one thing that they could control – their attitude and confidence.  And they did it together.  Within four football Saturday's, Army had erased the negativity of the past and began to capture America's hearts with their celebrations in doing so.   The garbage got out of their heads and they began to join the more successful programs in American sport, competing with each other to earn the chance to stand together and defeat their opponents.

Life is funny how it parallels sometimes, then comes to meet at a bend in the river.  Two years ago, VMI went 0-11.  Last year, they were 3-8.  Though they could have thrown up their hands, dropped a level, and allow themselves to be beaten, they have chosen to stand tall.  There is new leadership at the helm, a coach that challenges and inspires his players to be as tough and gritty as they can possibly be.  A mentor who wants to ensure that this team develops an identity together, works hard together, and wins together.  Their challenge now is to never walk off a football field having been outworked or out-executed.  VMI may play more talented, bigger, faster, opponents, but they will never surrender to them and will always fight.

This one is not about the key match-ups at each position – by most accounts this one should not be that close and Army should have the upper hand.  It's not about the overall talent, though VMI brings in a talented QB in Jonathan Wilson, a dual threat in RB Nat Jackson, and a hawking DB in Jamal Walton who will all give Army a tough time.  It is more about the parallel paths these teams have run, the histories they have together, and the way they have picked themselves up.

This one will be about respect for what the team across from the other has chosen for their way of life.  It will be about a program that is just turning itself around, and by looking over the tip of the pigskin at the guy about to snap, seeing what can be accomplished with hard work.

It will also be about history.  In 1956, VMI came to Michie Stadium to play Army, and with them they brought a small QB spent his game play being introduced to a ferocious Army D.  That Quarterback was current Army Head Coach Bobby Ross and prior to taking the job at Army, that was the last day he stepped foot on the turf at West Point.  In addition, there will be a pretty full stadium there on that day.  The West Point alumni will cram the stands as they cheer on the Black Knights at their Homecoming. 

And with all of the military pomp and circumstance, there will be two teams standing on opposite sides of the field looking over at one another with respect and anticipation. They will be ready to leave it all on the field, working shoulder to shoulder with the guy next to them, wanting nothing more than to win, and accepting nothing less than 100%.

VMI begins its first year under new head coach Jim Reid.  Named in December, Reid has been busy assembling his coaching staff and has had his team working since the day he stepped on post.  Similar to the regimen Coach Ross and staff implemented when he first took over the reigns at West Point, Reid has had the Keydets working hard with a strong off-season conditioning and strength program.  The players have responded well, taking to the program and making significant personal strides and improvements. 

Spring Practice for VMI was very much about starting over.  Not just starting over with a new coach, but starting over with a whole new attitude.  Posting a 3-8 record a year ago and an 0-11 record in 2004, the win total was just not up to snuff for this proud institution.  Important to Reid, as it was to Ross when he came to West Point, was to instill a tough mentality with a winning attitude.  Spring ball showed the coach just that.  Not only was it evident that the off-season strength training paid off, but the mentality and character of this team was that of tough, physical play.  The team seems determined to not be outworked on the football field.

The spring also gave Coach Reid the ability to start fresh with his players.  A number of position changes and new formations gave the coaches a good chance to evaluate the team's talent and set the foundation for summer ball.  There is excitement around post for this year's team to hit the field.

VMI's offense has some definite strengths at the skill positions, but will need an improved performance out of their offensive line.  The offensive front allowed 37 sacks last year and QB Jonathan Wilson was sometimes forced to throw the ball under pressure.  The RB position looks solid, and the receivers can get the job done.  It will be a matter of how well the OL can develop.  The offense has shown it can score, and now needs to do so against greater competition.

Jonathan Wilson, last year's starter and this year's offensive captain, returns and looks to improve on his already impressive numbers from last year.  He completed 62% of his passes (184 for 295) and was named the Big South Player of the Week for his efforts against Liberty and Davidson.  Wilson has a strong arm, but does not possess a ton of mobility, something that may limit him if he is under pressure.

On the heals of Wilson and with a strong spring showing is redshirt freshman Joey Robinson.  Though not the passer that Wilson is, Robinson showed great speed and mobility in spring ball and adds another dimension to the Keydet offense.  Simply stated, the guy can run.  If his accuracy improves, he may fight for playing time by the time VMI visits West Point.  He could also see time at the tailback position.

Last year's top performer in the backfield, junior Nat Jackson, looks ready to lead the Keydets' ground attack again.  A threat on the ground or out of the backfield through the air, Jackson is a strong runner who will figure heavily into the VMI gameplan.  He is quick and if he finds an opening , will break a long gainer.  He gained 622 yards, averaging 4.1 ypc on the ground, and averaged over 15 yards per reception on 20 catches.  He also found the end zone 8 times.  Defenses will need to know where he is at all times.

Additional backs in the hunt include sophomore Ryan Mingus, a good runner with playmaking ability that can rip off large chunks of yards.  Senior Chris Gilliland has shown the ability to run, and also has soft hands out of the backfield.

We will continue to follow the progress of VMI throughout the summer and early fall, and will have a follow-up article with updated analysis prior to the Army-VMI contest.