Malcolm Perry had taken every meaningful snap as the starter during the 2019 season, so the three candidates to replace him had minimal practical experience.
Navy’s spring practices were canceled because of the emerging coronavirus pandemic, robbing the coaching staff of critical instructional time with the returning quarterbacks.
Senior Dalen Morris ascended into the starting role early in August training camp, quickly overtaking sophomore Perry Olsen. After serving as Perry’s backup throughout the 2019 season, Olsen entered preseason camp atop the depth chart.
It all fell apart quickly. Morris played poorly in the season opener, a 55-3 drubbing at the hands of BYU.