Eric Kettani News

Navy's triple-option offense begins with the fullback dive. The Midshipmen need to establish the ability to run inside in order for the other elements of the offense to work properly.

Associated Press Military insurer USAA has signed a 10-year agreement to sponsor the annual Army-Navy football game.

With one of the nation's most talented tailbacks and one of the top defenses to rely on, Terrelle Pryor wasn't asked to carry Ohio State as a freshman in 2008.

From the moment he arrived at the Naval Academy, Ricky Dobbs was touted as a potential star in the football team's triple-option attack.

The Navy offense was slogging through a recent practice on a hot, humid Annapolis morning, but all it took was one play to kindle the unit's spirit.

Every night before he went to bed this summer, Alexander Teich ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. On most mornings, the sophomore fullback woke up before 5 a.m. to join quarterback Ricky Dobbs on the practice field. It was all part of a routine that Teich hoped would prepare him to be Navy's featured fullback this fall.

The sandwiches helped Teich gain weight. The early-morning workouts helped 'build a great relationship between me and Ricky,' Teich said. 'I know what he expects, where he's going to be. He knows where I'm going to be, where I like the ball. We had to get a chemistry between us, fullback and quarterback, because it's one of the most important things to run the triple option.'

Navy opened practice Tuesday, with its eyes set on claiming another Commander in Chief's Trophy - which would be a record seventh in a row - and winning seven games to secure its spot in the Texas Bowl, which will be held at Houston's Reliant Stadium on Dec.

Every night before he went to bed this summer, Alexander Teich ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. On most mornings, the sophomore fullback woke up before 5 a.m. to join quarterback Ricky Dobbs on the practice field. It was all part of a routine that Teich hoped would prepare him to be Navy's featured fullback this fall.

The sandwiches helped Teich gain weight. The early-morning workouts helped 'build a great relationship between me and Ricky,' Teich said. 'I know what he expects, where he's going to be. He knows where I'm going to be, where I like the ball. We had to get a chemistry between us, fullback and quarterback, because it's one of the most important things to run the triple option.'

Navy opened practice Tuesday, with its eyes set on claiming another Commander in Chief's Trophy - which would be a record seventh in a row - and winning seven games to secure its spot in the Texas Bowl, which will be held at Houston's Reliant Stadium on Dec.

On Thursday, the Patriots placed Navy WR Tyree Barnes and Navy FB Eric Kettani on the reserve/military list.

I previously said the team had not officially announced the signing of cornerback Darius Butler.

The 2009 season begins September 5, with one of the headliners being an interesting matchup: Ohio State vs Navy in Columbus, Ohio.

62 . What I said in last year's preview : Many critics will point to Johnson leaving for Georgia Tech as a sign of impending doom for the Navy program, and while his departure may signal an eventual downturn, Navy is still in fine shape for another winning season and bowl appearance.

Not every question was answered during spring practice, and every school has at least one big, vexing query that hangs over its program.

The New England Patriots have signed eight players, including three from Navy will likely won't be available immediately.

Navy seniors Eric Kettani and Tyree Barnes have signed free agent contracts with the New England Patriots.

Several scouts with National Football League teams have visited the Naval Academy to work out three potential professional prospects - fullback Eric Kettani, slot back Shun White and wide receiver Tyree Barnes.