I will not do a full comparison of Tulane and Navy in the recruiting rankings this week because it's pointless. With a 5-year commitment after college, Navy never gets highly rated recruits. That program is all about developing talent and discipline.
The Middies also have incredible experience on offense, with 10 senior starters and one junior starter at wide receiver, including a four-year starting QB.
OFFENSE
Quarterback Keenan Reynolds was in the Rivals database but unrated
Running back Quentin Ezell was a 2-star recruit
Right guard Ben Tamburello was a 2-star recruit who committed to Sanford, then changed his mind.
Left guard E.K. Binns was a 2-star recruit
Left tackle Joey Gaston was a 2-star recruit rated 5.4
DEFENSE
Left end William Anthony was a 2-star recruit
MLB Micah Thomas was a 2-star recruit rated 5.4
CB Brendon Clements was a 2-star recruit
A few other guys were in the Rivals database but unrated, so the total is 7 2-star recruits, with only two rated higher than 5.3.
But I keep coming back to the offensive line, where Navy does not have a 300-pounder but is dramatically better than Tulane. Gaston has started 21 straight games and Binns has 25 career starts, but the other guys were primarily career backups who are getting their turn as starters in their final year. They really aren't any more experienced than Tulane's crew of a redshirt senior, three redshirt juniors and a true junior. The Wave has a host of issues, but it all comes back to the very poor offensive line play, which is sabotaging any chance for success and even getting the defense frustrated and off its game when the offense continues to have three-and-outs. It's a sad situation.
The Middies also have incredible experience on offense, with 10 senior starters and one junior starter at wide receiver, including a four-year starting QB.
OFFENSE
Quarterback Keenan Reynolds was in the Rivals database but unrated
Running back Quentin Ezell was a 2-star recruit
Right guard Ben Tamburello was a 2-star recruit who committed to Sanford, then changed his mind.
Left guard E.K. Binns was a 2-star recruit
Left tackle Joey Gaston was a 2-star recruit rated 5.4
DEFENSE
Left end William Anthony was a 2-star recruit
MLB Micah Thomas was a 2-star recruit rated 5.4
CB Brendon Clements was a 2-star recruit
A few other guys were in the Rivals database but unrated, so the total is 7 2-star recruits, with only two rated higher than 5.3.
But I keep coming back to the offensive line, where Navy does not have a 300-pounder but is dramatically better than Tulane. Gaston has started 21 straight games and Binns has 25 career starts, but the other guys were primarily career backups who are getting their turn as starters in their final year. They really aren't any more experienced than Tulane's crew of a redshirt senior, three redshirt juniors and a true junior. The Wave has a host of issues, but it all comes back to the very poor offensive line play, which is sabotaging any chance for success and even getting the defense frustrated and off its game when the offense continues to have three-and-outs. It's a sad situation.