Navy’s offense experienced a renaissance in 2024, surging in nearly every offensive category compared to the previous season. Total offense improved by more than 70 yards per game. They were more explosive, too, jumping from 3.4 to 4.5 plays of 20 or more yards per game. They were second only to Ole Miss in percentage of plays over 30+ yards. Most importantly, the Mids scored more points, leaping from 17.7 points per game to more than 31. It’s the kind of improvement that can transform a five-win team into a ten-win conference contender.
Fans pointing to names like Horvath, Tecza, and Heidenreich to explain the turnaround wouldn't be wrong. The offense Drew Cronic brought to Annapolis capitalized on their abilities and turned them into stars. But while those players lit up box scores, there was another factor in Navy’s success that was every bit as important: the offensive line.
Navy’s offensive line performed far better than one might expect for a team switching to a new offense. Part of that was due to their ability to remain healthy. But a large part was also because the offense wasn’t quite as new as we thought it would be. Cronic introduced several original ideas, but fundamentally, Navy was still an option team. The offense ran the triple, but they had new answers for how defenses adjusted. For the line, it was the best of both worlds. They already had well-established option fundamentals, giving them more time to practice the new skills they needed. The result was an offense that Cronic has described as three offenses in one: option, Wing-T, and spread. The Mids were equally adept at all of them.
However, that raises important questions for the upcoming season. To run the option effectively, the offensive line needs the precision and consistency that comes with true commitment to the scheme. But with each passing year, Navy’s line will have less and less of that pure triple-option foundation. Instead, they’ll be practicing the new three-in-one offense. We've seen Navy struggle in the past when they added too much to the offense and diluted the option core. Could that happen again? How can Navy maintain their proficiency when the offensive line starts from a place that isn’t based on the pure triple?
These are questions offensive line coach Jay Guillermo knows he needs to answer. When it comes to installing the offense, he knows what job number one is. But he's confident he can keep his players performing at a high level.
“I start the install always with the option,” Guillermo said. “From a mental standpoint, those things aren't going to be lost because we're still doing it, and they still have to know what an option count is.”
They have to know that and a lot more. The option count and blocking angles determine the line's blocking rules on option plays. Linemen must recognize the defense in front of them and get on the same page with each other to ensure they operate as a cohesive unit, with everyone moving to the correct assignment. Effective communication is vital. Guillermo pointed out that it's especially crucial when integrating younger players, who must quickly grasp the intricacies of a multifaceted offense.
"We've got younger guys stepping up, so communication is critical," he said. "They need to quickly grasp our schemes and be able to communicate effectively during the game."
That is especially true at tackle, where Navy must replace the entire three-deep depth chart at both positions. But while developing unit cohesion takes time, Guillermo is already encouraged by what he's seen from the group physically. He pointed out the progress that rising sophomores Sean Crowley and Connor Heater have made during the offseason, positioning themselves to step into crucial roles.
"Sean Crowley has done a great job developing his body. He came in around 255 pounds and he's nearly 300 pounds now," Guillermo said. "Connor Heater has also made significant strides physically, and I'm excited about the way these guys are stepping up this spring."
Hanson Collie is another player Guillermo is eager to develop. While he was careful to point out that Collie still has much to learn after switching from defense, Guillermo praised his attitude and was impressed with his instincts.
"Hanson Collie has moved over from defensive line, and he's done a great job," Guillermo said. "He's a kid that's never really played O-line before, but he's embraced the move. From day one, Hanson said, 'I'm not going to complain about moving from defense to offense. I want to do this, and I'm going to work hard at it.' He’s going to help us down the road."
As younger players are learning the ins and outs of their positions, established veterans like senior guard Ben Purvis are simultaneously growing into their duties as leaders. Purvis, who will don the symbolic number 68 in honor of the late David Forney, has embraced the mentorship role.
"Being the oldest guy in the O-line room, you naturally have a leadership role," he said. "It's about being approachable and being there for these younger guys. I have full faith in Coach Guillermo and Coach Cronic to prepare us by the fall."
Even though Purvis and Hoke Smith are missing practice time while they recover from injuries, they have remained involved with the team.
“Ben and Hoke understand the full picture of our plays. They’re out there coaching just as hard as I am,” Guillermo said. “They've been a huge help, especially with younger guys who might be hesitant to approach coaches with questions.”
And they aren't alone. The graduating seniors from last year's team have also been helping at practice, sharing their knowledge and helping to maintain last year's high standard.
"Even the guys that are done—Connor McMahon, Javan Bouton, Brent Self—they've been out at practice," Guillermo said. "Those guys are finished playing, but they want to stick around and help. I'll see a young guy come off the field and immediately go talk to them. That kind of mentorship from former players has been invaluable."
This kind of leadership and mentorship is exactly why Guillermo remains optimistic. He is encouraged by the physical and mental strides his younger players have made.
"The number one goal is building continuity within our group," Guillermo explained. "We lost a bunch of guys that played a lot of football, but I'm excited to see what our younger guys can do."
Both Guillermo and his players know that last year is in the past. They have no interest in resting on their laurels. Instead, they are using past success to fuel their ambition.
"We have to prove ourselves every day," Guillermo said. "It doesn't matter how good your quarterback or your backs are if the O-line isn't getting it done. We're embracing that challenge."
"We proved last year we could hang with anybody," said Purvis. "Now it's about raising expectations and being consistent every single game."
