First Team Offense
QB: Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada Navy
Comments: With 834 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing in 12 games last season, ‘Kaipo’ is poised for one of the biggest years in Navy history for an option quarterback. If his offensive line holds together, expect several more long runs from the Hawaiian native.
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RB: Shun White Navy
Comments: White averaged 7.9 yards per carry last year, a half of yard more than the departed Reggie Campbell. If the Mids can develop another slot on the opposite side, defenses won’t be able to key on White – and that could mean 10+ TDs for the speedy senior.
RB: Eric Kettani Navy
Comments: One of Coach Ken Niumatalolo’s priorities before the season is to find a back-up for the rugged senior fullback. If he is successful, and Kettani keeps his legs fresh, he should easily eclipse the 1,000 yards rushing. Last year, he and Adam Ballard combined for 1,545 yards.
WR: Ty Paffett Air Force
Comments: With Chad Hall gone, Ty Paffett looks to step in at the WR-Z position. Last season he averaged 8.8 yards per carry to lead all Falcon rushers. If he can produce just half of the production (1,000 yards receiving and rushing) as Hall, Coach Troy Calhoun will be thrilled.
WR: Tyree Barnes Navy
Comments: Barnes gets the slight nod here over Army’s Mike Wright mainly due to his dual role in Navy’s offense as a blocker and receiver. As Kaipo’s #1 target, Navy will need Barnes to hit a few big plays to keep defenses from keying on Kettani and White.
TE: Travis Dekker Air Force
Comments: Dekker may very well be Air Force’s best player – on either side of the ball. The 6-4, 245 lb senior will give linebackers plenty to worry about this season. Coming off a breakout season (25 catches, 382 yards), Air Force’s quarterbacks will throw to him even more this year.
OL: Mike Lemming Army
Comments: Army’s lone member on the first-team, Lemming will be called upon to lead the Cadets’ transition to a run-oriented offensive system. If Army averages over 250 yards rushing per game, Lemming will be a big reason why.
OL: Andrew McGinn Navy
Comments: The Mids led the nation in rushing – by a lot in 2007- due in large part to McGinn. Navy likely won’t repeat their 348.8 yards per game average, but with McGinn’s help they should have a shot at something in the 320-yard per game range.
OL: Keith Williams Air Force
Comments: Williams started all 13 games at tackle for the #2 rushing team in the country. And with the departure of all-conference lineman, Blaine Guenther, the Falcons will need Williams to provide leadership to the mostly inexperienced unit.
OL: Anthony Gaskins Navy
Comments: Navy’s best lineman, Gaskins will need to help out teammate Austin Milke who will be starting the season at left tackle. Look for the Mids to run between Gaskins and center Ricky Moore a lot – a whole lot.
OL: Nick Charles Air Force
Comments: Charles is Air Force’s best lineman and he is coming off a stellar sophomore season. The second-team all MWC selection in 2007 will need to be even better this year to help out an inexperienced backfield.
Honorable Mention
RB: Jarod Bryant Navy
OL: Ricky Moore Navy
OL: Chris Campbell Air Force
OL: Brandon Cox Army
WR: Mike Wright Army
Offense Most Valuable Player
Eric Kettani Navy
Break-Out Players
Ty Paffett Air Force
Andre Byrd Navy
Collin Mooney Army
Tyson Quink Army