It was a day that

many Army fans had been waiting to see for over 4 months.  The dust of the

coaching changes had settled, the recruiting season was complete, and 14 spring

practices were behind the 2007 Black Knights.  In attendance were fans,

families, friends and girlfriends, about half of the USMAPS team, a number of

recruits, and a couple of Akron scouts.  There were also members of the Army

Football club, some of whom wore the Black and Gold 50+ years ago.  All eyes

were on the progress the Black Knights had made since they fell to Navy in

December.  Renewed optimism was the prevailing feeling in the air, though

cautious hope was not far behind. 

To open the day's

gameplay was the coin toss – officials from the ACC were on hand to manage the

game for the Black Knights.  Newly elected 2007 team captains Tony Fusco, Caleb

Campbell, Mike Viti, and Jeremy Trimble made their way to the 50 yard line.  It

was largely ceremonial, but it was still a good chance for the Army fans to see

the team leadership step forward together.

The game's opening

play was fundamentally indicative of what would follow throughout the day. 

Carson Williams stepped up behind center, took the snap, the offensive line

pushed right and picked up their assignments, Williams handed off to Tony Dace

who made a quick cut and broke for a hole opened between the right guard and

tackle, only to be met face to face by a charging Frank Scappaticci and tackled

for no gain.  The defense had the offense's number, and the 55-18 final score

put the exclamation mark on it.

Let's get the easy

part over with.  The defense looked very good.  To be honest, the defense as a

whole really seems to have developed a bit of a swagger.  You saw that begin

last season from the safety positions (Campbell and Murray), but the unit seemed

a bit broken in terms of mentality.  The cornerbacks were all business, the

linebackers were focused and seemed to try too hard at times, and the defensive

line was fighting through injuries and identity.  This year, there looks to be a

swagger – a confidence, and even a bit of cockiness, across the board.  Not a

bad thing to have when you can deliver.

Depth, strength, and

determination.  This unit has it all and put it to good use.  At Defensive end,

Brandon Thompson, Elliott Antoine, and Victor Ugenyi occupied the outside while

Defensive Tackles Tony Fusco, John Wright, and Ted Bentler closed up the middle

and penetrated often.  The rotation of the line kept the defense fresh, and put

constant pressure on QB Carson Williams. 

A couple of

observations.

Ted Bentler –

He lived up to the billing.  He can really push on the pass rush, and his energy

is contagious.  After every big play , he came to the sideline all fired up and

got the whole defense going.  Though credited with just one sack in the stats

column, his play contributed to much more and the increased effectiveness of

Army's blitzes and stunts can be somewhat attributed to his performance.  He

often requires a second block to keep him at bay.

Victor Ugenyi

– Standing on the sidelines, you would never think that Ugenyi is still just a

plebe.  His physical makeup is impressive; he has put on weight from last

season.  What is more remarkable is his leadership on the field and his

enthusiasm and fire on the sidelines.  He plays with determination and he can

talk smack with the best of them.  You can't help but be motivated when you are

around him – he talks the talk, and on the field, he definitely walks the walk.

John Wright –

Want to see how Bentler worked his way into the middle?  Watch John Wright fire

off the line and take out Bentler's blocker.  Think you can pass block against

him?  Try double teaming him and even pitting your running back in the mix…see

how long that lasts with Tony Fusco or Ted Bentler applying pressure.  Wright

has been Army's utility infielder for the past season or so, his mechanics are

showing why he is so effective for the Black Knights.

Thompson – He is healthy and his size and surprising nimbleness make him a

valuable weapon for Army at the DE position.  He has the ability to beat

opposing linemen on the outside, and out-maneuver them inside to make the play. 

He reads the offense well and reacts appropriately, displaying solid field

awareness.  Army will reap the rewards of Thompson returning at 100% after

missing most of the 2006 season.

Tony Fusco –

The newly appointed team captain looks to have added some size, and the addition

of Bentler and Wright in the middle has shown to be a big help for Fusco.  Mr.

Opportunity last season, he picked right up where he left off with a fumble

recovery in the spring game.  He also looks to have a bit more enthusiasm on the

field, having some fun while frustrating the offensive line.

Elliott Antoine

– He has shown that he has made some significant progress, and his size can't be

ignored.  What he gives the Black Knights is effective depth and his legs and

field awareness are assets.  On a screen to Jeremy Trimble, Antoine sniffed it

out from the get-go, covered his slot correctly, then moved in to take down

Trimble for a loss.  An outstanding effort.

Of Note – On

the second team, Marcus Millen had a pretty solid game at DE making some

aggressive plays and knocking down a pass attempt.  Fritz Bentler also showed

good speed at the DE position.

What happened to the

linebackers in 2006?  Considered to be one of the strengths of the team coming

into the season, they never seemed to be able to meet expectations and as a

unit, underperformed.  What was even more concerning was the loss of Cason

Shrode and Barrett Scruggs, arguably two of the more talented players on the

2006 squad.  If the spring game was any indication, new linebacker mentor Robert

Lyle has made an immediate impact.  Most notably, the re-emergence of Charlie

Rockwood and the performance of Frank Scappaticci and Brian Chmura have the

Black Knights pointed in the right direction.  The linebackers showed a lot of

blitzes and stunts, and caused the offensive line to check on every play.  The

use of the safety blitz was effective as well, as the linebackers pulled back

into coverage.  The aggressiveness of the unit was a big reason there was

pressure, which shut down much of the passing game.  However, the aggressiveness

also left the intermediate pass open at times – if the quarterback had enough

time for the receiver to run his route. 

A couple of notes:

Charlie Rockwood

– Expectations were high for Rockwood coming into to 2006 season, but something

was holding Rockwood back.  Not sure if it was the recovery from knee surgery,

the scheme, or something else, but it was not until the Navy game that Charlie

really played to what was expected.  The spring game seemed to be a bit of a

re-emergence party for Rockwood.  There was little doubt as to how he would

perform, when early in the game he lined up on the left side of the line of

scrimmage, pushed through the blocks of the right tackle and fullback to meet

the running back 3 yards deep in the backfield.  If he can play like that on

Saturdays this fall, it will pay big dividends for Army's D.

– Last season, the most we heard of Scappaticci was from Barrett Scruggs,

who openly sang his praises during summer and fall practice sessions.  This

year, we will get to see what Scruggs was talking about, and got our first

glimpse of it on the first play from scrimmage in the spring game.  He is

aggressive and likes contact – he is one of those guys that "flies around the

ball", he seems to be everywhere on the field.

Brian Chmura

– Chmura looks like he reads offenses well, but seemed a bit tentative at

times.  Though he showed the ability to aggressively attack inside, he seemed to

be used more to cover the middle and spy as opposed to applying interior

pressure.  What he did very well was read the quarterback and close down any

opportunity for a big gain in the middle.  His field awareness was very strong,

which resulted in leading the team in tackles by the end of the game.

The defensive backs

were flying all over, and their aggressiveness led to interceptions and batted

balls.  Though Williams and Pevoto both tested the DBs deep, there was rarely

any room for a big play, and their coverage often resulted in a sack or attempt

to force something that wasn't there.  In all, the DB's did not seem to just

cover the receivers, they almost lured in the quarterbacks and receivers, and

when the ball was put in the air, they attacked. 

Kevin Opoku –

Though he lost his starting job to John Laird, he picked up where he left off

last season, though seemed to show a bit more aggressiveness and willingness to

lay a hit.  He was very strong in coverage on the boundary, and had very good

field awareness, coming up to support the run defense when needed.  His forced

fumble on Trimble was a big play on one of Army's top offensive weapons.  His

solid coverage was encouraging.

John Laird –

An emotional leader on the field, you could tell from the start the Laird was

"feelin' it".  He was aggressive, laying a sack on a blitz and breaking up a

Williams' pass with authority.  Playing the field position, Laird continues to

improve and his enthusiasm is contagious.

Mario Hill –

Talk about making the most of your opportunities, Hill was like a missile

seeking a target.  Grabbing a couple of interceptions and taking punt returns,

Hill was all over the place.  He adds depth to an already solid defensive

backfield and with continued play like what we saw Saturday, may be spending

even more time on the field this fall.

Brandon White

– White must be feeling positive about his move from corner to safety.  It

seemed like every time the ball was in the air, White would be flying somewhere

around it.  His aggressiveness was intimidating, and he followed it with flat

out performance.  He forced a fumble and pulled in an interception, and showed

solid coverage skills in the process.  He is another player that is definitely

on the upswing.

Dennis Cooper

– Cooper was somewhat quiet, but much of that may have been because he covered

the field very well, as did the other defensive backs.  Seeing him line up for a

safety blitz was indicative of the confidence in the defense overall and showed

that a more aggressive approach seems to be on the docket for the Black Knights

this fall.

Jordan Murray

– Black Knight fans missed Murray's play on the field last fall as he worked

through a hamstring injury.  Last year's most improved defensive player during

spring ball is fighting his way back, and on the third play from scrimmage

reminded Army fans that he was the safety that wanted to be known for laying a

hit as he went up to bat down a David Pevoto pass intended for Elliott Emerich;

Emerich wanted nothing to do with the fast approaching Murray and the ball found

itself falling to the ground hard.  The summer will be a chance for Murray to

continue to work his way back.

Ryan Brence –

Though Army Fans are looking forward to the return of Caleb Campbell, they need

to know there is depth and talent to augment Campbell where needed.  This was

Brence's first shot, and he performed solidly.

While Army's defense

enjoyed a lot of success on Saturday, Army's offense showed some signs of

improvement while still struggling.  As a whole, the execution was not what Army

fans would have looked for.  However, at an individual position and role level,

there was actually quite a bit to be hopeful about.

The offensive line

showed sparks of positive play.  On one run in the first quarter, the offensive

line played perfect assignment football, leading to a nice 5 yard gain for Tony

Dace.  During the play, Tight End Justin Larson lined up in the backfield. 

Army's offense used a second tight end (Ernie Bernal) as a blocker on the left

side of the line.  Williams took the snap, and Larson ran right, pulling the

defense to their left to cover him on the run.  Center Trey Miranne and Right

Guard Seth Fabin held up John Wright,  while RG Ray Zelenak made an initial

block on Bentler.  Right Tackle Mike Lemming made an initial block on Left DE

Brandon Thompson, slowing him for a step, while Left Guard Brandon Cox pulled,

stepped right, and followed up the initial block on Thomson with another,

knocking him away from the path of the ball carrier. Right DE Elliott Antoine

went to step outside of the play to run down Larson, but was met and pancaked by

Bernal. Williams handed off to Tony Dace, who now had an open lane down the

right hand side of the line with Lemming and Larson providing downfield blocking

on LB's Brian Chmura and Frank Scappaticci, respectively.  Dace was eventually

brought down by Kevin Opoku, who moved back upfield from his corner position

after initially covering Damion Hunter.  The play, though only a five yard gain,

was indicative of the offensive line making progress and blocking as a unit.  It

was a well executed play, and showed that through the right assignment play and

execution, the team can be pretty successful. 

Where the Offensive

Line struggled a bit was against the pass.  The aggressiveness of the defensive

line wore down the pass protection, and the defense was effective in getting to

the quarterback.  However, in fairness to the offensive line, there were two

areas that impacted their ability to protect the quarterback. 

First, the downfield coverage was very good.  Receivers were unable to get

separation, and that gave the quarterback no option but to tuck the ball and run

or take a sack.  Second, this was the spring game and the quarterback was not

allowed to get hit.  What that equated to was a one hand touch by the defense on

the quarterback being called a sack.  For those of you that have watched Carson

Williams progress, he tends to drop back, and then step up in the pocket.  Each

time he did this, a defensive lineman running by him would throw a hand out,

resulting in a sack that otherwise would have been avoided in a real game

situation. 

The bottom line is

that although the offensive line was overmatched by the defense and the blitzing

linebackers and defensive backs, there was actually a good amount of individual

assignment improvement.  As the line becomes more accustomed to playing

together, there is little doubt that there will be a much more cohesive unit on

the field against Akron.

Not a great day for

any of the quarterbacks.  However, much of the problem on the day was the

ability for the receivers to get separation.  The QB's had nowhere to throw the

ball. 

What was most

impressive was the improvement in individual mechanics by the Quarterbacks.  For

Williams, it was poise in the pocket, the ability to check-off and read the

defense, and ability to elude the rush.  For Pevoto, it was an improved stance

under center, a renewed confidence in the pocket, and the ability to follow

progression, move out of the pocket when needed, and deliver the ball downfield

or tuck it and run if nothing was available through the air.  Coach Brock has

stated that the Quarterbacks are running neck and neck going into summer ball;

this game showed that.

Those individual

improvements are the key foundation for the collective progression of the

offense.

This one was tough. 

Three of the top running backs were out (Tony Moore, Wesley McMahand, and Jamal

Robinson), and fullback Mike Viti was used only sparingly.  The running game was

largely ineffective, with Tony Dace being used as the starter.  Dace showed some

nice moves, but the defense converged too quickly for him to make an impact. 

Ian Smith had a nice run later in the game for a good gain.  Fullback Collin

Mooney was active in the backfield, going in motion quite a bit as a receiver

and being used often as a blocker.  Running backs such as Jon Douglas and

Nicholas Sabillico also got reps in the game, important experience as the team

looks to the future.

Don't look at the

Spring Game as an indication of how Army's rushing attack will look this fall. 

The addition of Moore, McMahand, and Robinson, with Viti leading the fullback

duties and Mooney supporting will be much more effective in Coach Walsh's

offense. 

The receivers had

some trouble getting separation, but there was little doubt who was the

receiving star on the field.  Jeremy Trimble showed that he is not just a weapon

returning punts or running a reverse, but that he can make something out of

nothing with his feet as a receiver.  He was Army's all-purpose player of the

day.  The rest of the receiving corps needs to continue to improve.  Damion

Hunter looks to be a player that can quickly become a difference maker for the

Black Knights.  He has pure speed, and actually showed good hands in the game –

diving for a couple of receptions that were far from easy to rope in.  Elliott

Emerich looked a bit tentative, especially across the middle.  He needs to be

aggressive in going after the ball and making a play.  Mike Wright has the

tools, but only was able to grab one reception for a small gain on the day.  If

Ernie Bernal and Justin Larson can develop some softer hands, they could be

effective for Coach Walsh as receivers at tight end as well.

Overall, the

individual performances on the offensive side of the ball actually give Army

fans something to look forward to.  It will be the off-season work that the

players do - studying the playbook and working on technique, coupled with

bringing it all together during the summer that will have them ready for fall. 

Also, be assured that we did not see all of Army's cards on Saturday – Akron was

represented inside Michie.

After the game,

Coach Brock seemed happy with the performance of the team, but knows that there

is still a lot of work left.  "The defense looked good today; we have some work

to do on offense.  We will be ready for Akron".

In attendance at the

game to check out the progress of the team were a number of graduating Army

seniors, including Cameron Craig, Walter Hill, Pete Bier, Sean Grevious and Tim

Dunn.  Former Army standouts Scott Wesley (RB, '06) and Ben Kotwica (LB, '97)

were in attendance as well.