Air Force LBs, Army DBs lead All-Academy Team

Scout.com continues its 1st annual All-Service Academy Football Team with selections for Defense, Specialists, MVPs, and Break-Out Players. Overall, Navy had 16 selections (7 First Team, 9 Honorable Mentions), Air Force had 16 selections (11 FT, 5 HM), and Army had 12 selections (7 FT, 5 HM).

First Team Defense

DL:     Michael Walsh                       Navy

Comments: Walsh turned into the Mids’ most consistent defensive lineman and seemed to get better as the season went on.  He led the team in tackles for a loss with 10.5 and also registered a respectable 57 tackles.  Chances are he will get to the quarterback a bit more next year.

DL:     Ted Bentler                            Army

Comments: There was a lot of hype around Bentler this season and for the most part he did not disappoint.  With a year of experience under his belt, expect him to improve upon his 42 tackle performance. 

DL:     Ryan Kemp                            Air Force

Comments: Kemp was Air Force’s best lineman, accounting for 54 tackles including 8.5 for a loss.  He was also third for the Falcons in sacks with four. Air Force returns all three starters for 2008 on the defensive line so this position should be a significant strength for them.

LB:      Drew Fowler                           Air Force

Comments: Fowler isn’t getting as many post-season honors this year, but it wasn’t because he wasn’t once again a force inside for Air Force.  He led the team in tackles with 119 and even had 3 interceptions.  Fowler was a target all year for offensive coordinators which allowed his teammates to make several plays .

LB:      Frank Scappaticci                  Army

Comments: In his first year as a starter, Scappaticci excelled, registering 89 tackles including 6 for a loss.  The junior will lead a young unit next year as he is one of only 4 returning starters.

LB:      Irv Spencer                             Navy

Comments: When Jeff Deliz and Clint Sovie were lost to injury in the Rutgers game, Spencer was thrust into the leadership role for the Navy defense.  He responded with several bruising hits, timely pass breakups, and 95 tackles to lead the team.  

LB:      John Rabold                           Air Force

Comments: Rabold had a team-leading 17.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks to go with his 74 tackles overall. His efforts help Air Force keep opponents to only 3.5 yards per rush. He, Fowler and Aaron Shanor will be sorely missed as they formed one of the best linebacking units ever at Air Force.

DB:     Carson Bird                            Air Force

Comments: Bird’s six interceptions were the most in the MWC and the fourth-most in the nation.  He also accounted for 48 tackles and 3 fumble recoveries.  His interception against TCU with under a minute to play helped send the game to overtime.

DB:     Chris Thomas                         Air Force

Comments: As the youngest member of the Falcons’ secondary, Thomas quietly put together an impressive season.  He was second on the team with 110 tackles, nine of which were for a loss. His leadership will be called upon next year as Air Force loses four of its top five tacklers on defense.

DB:     Caleb Campbell                      Army

Comments: A lot was expected of Campbell and while some would consider his season campaign a bit of a disappointment, he will definitely be remembered as one of the finest safeties to ever play at West Point.  His 97 tackles were second on the team to Jordan Murray.

DB:     Jordan Murray                       Army

Comments: Murray was Army’s most consistent defender, making 103 tackles including 67 of the solo variety. He saved his best effort for the last game of the season, as he led Army with 16 tackles against Navy. Replacing both Murray and Campbell will be extremely difficult for the Black Knights.

Honorable Mention

DT:      Nate Frazier                             Navy

DB:      Ketric Buffin                             Navy

LB:       Matt Wimsatt                           Navy

DB:      Wyatt Middleton                      Navy

LB:       Aaron Shanor                           Air Force

DB:      Garrett Rybak                           Air Force

DB:      Bobby Giannini                         Air Force

DB:      Kevin Opoku                           Army

LB:       John Plumstead                        Army

LB:       Brian Chmura                           Army

First Team Specialists

K:        Ryan Harrison                          Air Force

P:         Owen Tolson                            Army

PR:       Jeremy Trimble                        Army

KR:      Reggie Campbell                      Navy

Offense Most Valuable Player

Chad Hall                     Air Force

Defense Most Valuable Player

Drew Fowler                Air Force

Break-Out Players

Wyatt Middleton           Navy

John Plumstead             Army

Chris Thomas               Air Force