Navy starting quarterback Ricky Dobbs looked outstanding in practice yesterday, running with no obvious discomfort and throwing some great passes. Head coach Ken Niumatalolo agreed that Dobbs performed at a high level and wondered whether two weeks off might have energized the junior.

  "(Dobbs) had a great practice. I’m very excited about what I saw. I’m always looking to see if he’s dragging his leg or anything. I didn’t see any of that. He ran hard in drills, ran hard in conditioning," Niumatalolo said. "Maybe those two weeks off let him rejuvenate and freshen up a bit. Maybe those two weeks off will result in a fresher Ricky. He was taking a pounding, running the ball a lot."

   Niumatalolo was not as encouraged by the progress of slotback Marcus Curry, who is still hampered by a quadricep injury. Curry, the team's third-leading rusher with 393 yards and four touchdowns, was not able to go full speed. Niumatalolo said the dangerous sophomore was probably doubtful for Saturday's game against Notre Dame.

  "(Curry) did some things, but wasn’t really able to open up. He was still a little hesitant about opening up," Niumatalolo said.

   Defensive end Jabaree Tuani was wearing a green jersey indicating no contact, but Niumatalolo said that was just precautionary because the standout sophomore's sore back had stiffened up a bit. Tuani, whom Niumatalolo said has really "battled in the trenches for us," is expected to play on Saturday.