The Navy Midshipmen had a rough end to the season in 2023, losing four of their last six games to finish 5-7. Navy will be focused on finding a replacement at quarterback but still has plenty of veteran talent back for the 2024 season.
Navy Midshipmen’s Top 10 Returners in 2024
Analyzing the returning players at every school is a difficult task in the transfer portal era. As such, we’ve included transfer portal athletes on each team’s roster page to open spring camp in addition to the rostered players from last year.
10) Landon Robinson, DT
Nose tackle Landon Robinson impressed in his first year on the field for Navy, posting 28 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks (second on the team). He comes equipped with some versatility as he has played on kickoff and filled in at defensive tackle. This will be Robinson’s junior year, and he should see plenty of action on the field.
9) Riley Reithman, P
Statistically, Riley Reithman has been the best punter in Navy program history, averaging 44 yards per punt in his career. Reithman is coming off a career year with a 44.8-yard average and being named a first-team All-AAC selection. He’s got one more season to continue his historical career.
8) Eli Heidenreich, SB
Navy’s jack-of-all-trades back Eli Heidenreich helped in the running and passing games in 2023. Last season, Heidenreich rushed for 214 yards and one touchdown but led the team in receptions (19), receiving yards (382), and receiving touchdowns (four). The Midshipmen could use Heidenreich more often and move him around the field.
7) Dashaun Peele, CB
Despite starting eight of the 11 games last year, Dashaun Peele was a playmaker in the secondary for Navy. Peele was tied for the team lead in interceptions with four and checked in at third in pass deflections with four. The secondary is filled with veterans and could be seen as a strength to the team with Peele playing a big factor.
6) Justin Reed, DE
The top pass rusher on the Midshipmen is defensive end Justin Reed. In 2023, Reed was tied for the team lead in sacks with 4.5 while also racking up 49 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss in 12 games. In his senior year, Reed will be a starter on the defensive line and should be able to bulldoze his way to the best season of his career.
5) Luke Pirris, LB
Linebacker Luke Pirris came on through the end of the 2023 season and finished as one of the top defenders on the team. Pirris led the team in tackles for loss with 10 and tied for the lead in sacks with 4.5.
He also added 62 tackles, three pass deflections, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and a safety in 12 games. The junior will have an increased role from the beginning of the year, joining a stellar defense.
4) Mbiti Williams Jr., S
Navy’s secondary is the strength of the team, and Mbiti Williams Jr. is a big reason for that. Williams finished fourth on the team last year in tackles with 63 while adding five pass deflections, one interception, and one forced fumble.
There is plenty of talent in the secondary — with more coming on the list — and Williams is one of many most talented safeties.
3) Alex Tecza, FB
Navy’s offense leaned a lot on fullback Alex Tecza to carry their run-first offense last season. Tecza led the team in rushing yards with 758 and five touchdowns. In his return to the team, expect Tecza to lead the team in rushing once again.
2) Rayuan Lane, S
Safety Rayuan Lane can do it all for Navy’s defense and proved to be one of the top players on the team. Lane was third on the roster in tackles with 66 while also leading in pass deflections (eight) and tied for the lead in interceptions (four).
KEEP READING: 2024 AAC Weekly Football Schedule
Joining Williams and Peele in the secondary, Lane gives Navy stability and experience to be one of the top defenses in the AAC.
1) Colin Ramos, LB
The leader of the defense dominated through the college football season, with Colin Ramos only getting better and better by the year. Ramos led the team in tackles with 110 and was named first-team All-AAC in 2023.
He added two sacks, four pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. The senior has been the heartbeat of the Midshipmen’s defense and will look to help the team get back over the hump and back in a bowl game and beat Army.
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