Getting recruits on campus is a vital step for any coaching staff, but it's especially important at Navy. High school players don’t always have a clear picture of what the Naval Academy really is; they hear “Navy” and picture four years of boot camp. Parents have their own set of concerns. Before coaches can even sell the program, they often have to undo a host of misconceptions, assuming the recruit is even willing to listen.

But once a player steps onto the Yard, that perception changes. They see that the Naval Academy is, in fact, a college, not just a military training ground. They become more receptive to everything the school and the program have to offer.

That’s exactly how things unfolded for Adrian Symalla. He didn’t grow up dreaming of playing football at a service academy. He has some limited family ties to the Air Force, but he never thought of Annapolis as his college home.

"I wasn’t too familiar with any of the academies," he said. "Especially not Navy."

Navy was familiar with him, though, as were several other programs. A running back out of Arvada West High School in Colorado, Symalla has run for 2,295 yards and 24 touchdowns over the last two years, averaging nearly eight yards per carry while twice earning all-state recognition. After nearly a year of contact, things got more serious this spring when assistant coach Mike Palmer began reaching out directly. That led to a phone call where Symalla received some good news.

“Coach Palmer asked me to give him a call,” Symalla said. “And on the phone, he decided to offer me because he said that the B-backs coach, Coach Jasper, said it was a go.”

The offer got Symalla's attention, but it was his recent visit to Annapolis that turned curiosity into conviction.

“I had a meeting with Coach Jasper for about 35 to 40 minutes,” he said. “He really just sold me. I loved what the guy preached. I loved how it was a family, a brotherhood. I really got a good vibe from the place, and the facilities were amazing. It was just everything I've ever dreamed of with all the opportunities that they can guarantee me."

That same weekend, Symalla committed to Navy, becoming one of the newest additions to the program’s 2026 class.

“It feels like a relief,” he said. “Feels amazing.”

While Symalla was sold on the program’s culture, he was just as drawn to the on-field side of the equation. He is being recruited as a B-back, a featured position in the Navy offense. The staff made it clear that they see him as a strong fit for that role.

“I’ll be the focal point of the offense as a B-back,” Symalla said. “That was big for me.”

His running style is all about being tough and decisive, which are the traits Navy looks for at the position.

“They said they liked how I was a hard runner," he said. "I didn’t stop for contact, and I was a downhill runner and quick to make moves. A one-cut type of guy.”

Symalla is also embracing the idea of service. While his understanding of the Academies was limited at first, he now sees military service as a key part of the overall package Navy offers.

“I think it’d just be a great opportunity for my life and kind of get it set up for life,” he said. “I’d love to serve my country, and it’s honestly been a dream of mine, so I was ready for it.”

He plans to explore majors in economics or cyber once he arrives in Annapolis. For now, though, his attention is still on finishing strong at Arvada West. Symalla is coming off a standout junior year and has big goals for his final season.

“My personal goals are to make it four-time All-Conference, three-time All-State, and get Offensive Player of the Year and possibly Gatorade Player of the Year,” he said. “Team-wise, winning the state championship would be amazing because we have an amazing 2026 class. I like to set myself to a high standard."

Holding himself to a high standard has opened a lot of doors for Symalla. But without that visit to Annapolis, he would have missed the one door that had everything he was looking for. Now that he’s seen what’s behind that door, he doesn't want others to make that mistake.

“I would suggest for kids who get offered by the academies to take the time to visit and learn more about it before not taking the opportunity to even look at it,” Symalla said. “A lot of kids just cross it off their board and don’t know what it’s about. If more people took their time and really looked into it, a lot more people would figure out what it’s all about and they would want to commit.”

He’s living proof of that.

“I’ll be dedicated to the Navy,” Symalla said.

“And I’ll tote that rock.”