One of the most important players the Navy football program must replace is Jackson Perkins, who was a productive player on the field and the consummate captain off it.
A two-year starter at defensive end, Perkins recorded 51 tackles as a junior and senior. However, the greatest value the Illinois native brought to the table was an unflinching work ethic that set a shining example day-in and day-out, which was especially needed during the unusual circumstances caused by the pandemic.
“We understand what we’re going to be replacing there. We’re really going to miss Jackson Perkins for the type of leader he was,” said assistant Kevin Downing, who coaches the defensive ends and the hybrid outside linebacker position known as raider.