One of the question marks for Navy going into this season surrounded the outside linebacker spot known as striker.
The Midshipmen graduated their top performers at the position in starter Jerry Thompson and backup Justin Norton. Those two seniors performed well in 2017, combining to record 65 tackles (seven for loss) and 3 ½ sacks.
Assistant coach Napoleon Sykes had to develop a new batch of strikers during the offseason and the early returns are favorable. First-year starter Elan Nash, who gained valuable experience toward the end of last season, has been solid. Backups Evan Fochtman and Walter Little, neither of whom saw varsity action a year ago, have also contributed.