Navy suddenly finds itself extremely young and inexperienced at outside linebacker, an important position in its 3-4 defensive alignment.
The Midshipmen need versatile players at the position, which requires stopping the run, rushing the passer and dropping into coverage.
In May, Navy graduated a pair of productive starters in Chris Johnson and Obi Uzoma. A few weeks later the Mids endured an unexpected loss when top backup William Tuider surprisingly quit the team.
Tuider started five games in 2014 before settling into a reserve role and spelling Uzoma at the "raider" position and Johnson at the "striker" spot.