Projected Starting Fullback: Adam Ballard (792 yards, 5.1 avg, 3 TDs)
In the Mix: Eric Kettani (229 yards, 1 TD, 4.3 avg)
Rest of the Pack: Nic Jesse, Kevin Campbell, Patrick Shannon, Jack Hatcher, Glen Wood.
Projected Starting Slot Backs: Reggie Campbell (706 yards, 7.1 avg, 5 TDs) Shun White (578 yards, 12.0 avg, 5 TDs), Zerb Singleton (191 yards, 6.8 avg, 1 TD)
In the Mix: John Forbes (Did not play in 2006), Greg Shinego (13 yards), Bobby Doyle (11 yards)
On the Radar: Greg Garden, Cory Finnerty, Scott Oswald, Frank Rizzo, Luke Lagera, Ram Vela.
2006 Review: Ranked as the 13th best backfield in the country by Phil Steel magazine before the season started, Navy's backs did not disappoint in 2006, once again playing a huge role in an offense that finished first nationally on the ground. Adam Ballard, Matt Hall, and later Eric Kettani teamed up at the fullback position, with Ballard leading the way with 792 yards and 3 TDs despite being hampered by injuries all season. While Matt Hall started out strong, he ultimately relinquished his second string role to Eric Kettani, who came on strong at the end of the year and has a bright future ahead of him. The slotbacks were lead by both Reggie Campbell and Shun White, who bring big-play potential to the offense every time they touch the ball. While Zerb Singleton has started every game and contributed both running and blocking, the biggest surprise of 2006 was Shun White. White proved an excellent compliment to the speedy Campbell, averaging an insane 12 yards per carry. Senior Trey Hines provided quality depth as the fourth slot back, and played well when he saw time.
2007 Preview: Navy returns all of the starters from the 2006 backfield, while the biggest losses will be backups Matt Hall and Trey Hines. Adam Ballard did not have the breakout year we thought he would have in '06, although much of that was due to lingering injuries which limited his availability. Even so, he managed 5.1 yards a carry and was a huge factor in the games he was able to play in, and should be healthy and ready to go next season. I expect Ballard to come back in 2007 bigger and stronger then ever, and to play a major role in Navy's offense. Current sophomore Eric Kettani should prove a more then capable ba
ckup, as the shifty sophomore ran for 229 yards and a touchdown in 2006. Kettani has a ton of potential and if not for a great back like Ballard in front of him, would probably be starting. If both of these backs can stay healthy, a dynamic one-two combo punch is not out of the question.
The slotbacks look to combine explosive play-making ability with solid blocking, returning the three "starters" from 2006. Technically there are of course only two starters at slotback, but expect Reggie Campbell, Shun White, and Zerb Singleton to rotate in-and-out like they did in 2006. All three of these runners have explosive play-making capability, and all three of them do a solid time blocking (especially Campbell and Singleton.) Everyone will keep their eyes on Campbell and White, and while rightfully so, don't forget about Zerb Singleton. He didn't get a ton of carries in 2006, but his performance against BC in the bowl game (77 yards) should show he's just as explosive as a runner.
With Trey Hines graduating at the end of this year, one spot does remain open for another slotback to work his way into the rotation, although it's ultimately up to Coach Johnson on how much he wants to use addition slotbacks. Right now I'm predicting Greg Shinego to fit into this role. Shinego is one of the faster players on the team and was originally recruited by Northwestern as a cornerback before coming to Navy. He saw limited time as a backup last year, but could end up becoming a factor in 2007. Current freshman Bobby Doyle could also compete for more playing time, but is probably still year away from competing for a starting job. One guy not to forget about is John Forbes, who did not play in 2006 due to injury and isn't even currently on the roster. Forbes is a 5'7 speedster who may come out of left field and seriously challenge for playing time. Also keep your eyes out for current Freshmen Luke Lagera, who was an excellent running back in high school (Video.)
Navy's backfield in 2007 should be even more explosive then the one in 2006, and is certainly not without a cast of veteran players. Ballard is a proven fullback who could easily eclipse the 1000 yard mark in 2007 if he can stay healthy, while Kettani is a great compliment at the position. The slotbacks are fast, athletic, and shifty, and should be able to break some excellent gains in 2007. This is also a very deep group which holds a lot of untested talent in it, so don't take this preview as as set in stone. Shun White came out of left field last year, and we'll likely have another "surprise" player come in and contribute in 2007. With a group like this, I wouldn't be all that surprised if Phil Steel included it in his Top 10 running back units for 2007.
