Spring Practice Brings Big Changes for Navy

Senior Ricky Moore (Northern) was listed as the starting center when Navy opened spring football practice yesterday, but if the coaches have their way, he won't stay there long. Coach Ken Niumatalolo said he would prefer to use Moore as a starting tackle. For that to happen, one of the backup centers needs to have a good spring.

The most intriguing candidate is Andy Lark, a 6-foot, 290-pound junior. He is one of the strongest players on the team but spent last year as a reserve nose guard. He did not play as a freshman after he broke his leg.

Niumatalolo said Lark is too talented to remain as the third-string nose guard "and get 10 reps a game."

The rest of the offensive line seems to be in good shape. Senior Anthony Gaskins is "one of the two best guards we've had in the 10 years I've been here," Niumatalolo said. Senior Andrew McGinn, a two-year starting tackle, is back.

Lark is one of several players who have changed positions. Senior Jarod Bryant will be used as a quarterback, slot back and punt returner, and sophomore Emmett Merchant has moved to slot back from cornerback.

There isn't as much change on defense. Senior safety Jeff Deliz and junior linebacker Clint Sovie are back and healthy. Each suffered a season-ending injury in a loss to Rutgers on Sept. 7.

At the news conference yesterday, it did not take long for talk to turn to Army and Air Force, Navy's rivals for the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy. Niumatalolo said he moved Moore to center with an eye on the game against the Falcons on Oct. 4. Air Force senior Jared Marvin is considered a top nose guard.

Niumatalolo also said the only thing he leaves on his desk each night is a replica of the ring the team gets for winning the trophy.

Niumatalolo is a head coach for the first time, replacing Paul Johnson, who is at Georgia Tech. He played for and coached with Johnson for 17 years. "But my desire to win has nothing to do with Coach Johnson," he said.

-- Christian Swezey