Success on field helps Navy on recruiting trail

Navy has steadily ramped up its football recruiting over the past decade or so. Winning records in 12 of the last 13 seasons has provided the Midshipmen with a nationwide stature that never previously existed.

What happened on the field in 2015 enabled Navy to take an escalator to another level of recruiting, according to head coach Ken Niumatalolo. The Midshipmen (11-2) set a single-season record for wins while making a strong run at the American Athletic Conference West Division title.

Navy was in contention to play in a New Year's Six bowl game up until Nov. 27 when a loss at Houston prevented the program from playing in the inaugural AAC championship game The Midshipmen were ranked 18th…