Promising sophomore Mike Stukel continued to practice at quarterback this week, but he will be back at slotback as soon as classmate Kriss Proctor recovers from an ankle injury suffered against Temple.

  Stukel has flip-flopped between the two positions throughout the season, and hasn’t gotten to play much in games as a result.

  “(Stukel) has been the ultimate team player. He has done whatever we have asked without complaint,” Niumatalolo said.

   Stukel originally moved to slotback during preseason practice after losing the battle to be the backup quarterback to Proctor. While Proctor showed slightly better option skills, a factor in the coaching staff’s decision was that Stukel had the speed and athleticism to play another position.

   Stukel rose to the top of the depth chart at one point and seemed a sure bet to earn playing time. Then Proctor suffered a knee injury just prior to the opener and Stukel returned to quarterback to serve as the backup for the initial three games of the season.

   Stukel switched back to slot back after Proctor resumed practicing on Sept. 20. The Florida native made his debut at slot against Western Kentucky, rushing for 14 yards on one carry. The 5-foot-11,195-pounder, who is one of the fastest players on the squad, picked up 25 yards on four carries versus Rice. He broke loose for a 16-yard gain in that game.

   However, Stukel was forced to resume practicing at quarterback after Dobbs suffered a knee injury against SMU and Proctor took over as starter for the past two games. Niumatalolo said Stukel will probably be moved to slotback permanently next season after Navy gets another crop of quarterbacks in the program as part of the 2010 recruiting class. 

  Stukel admitted that moving back-and-forth between positions has been difficult and said he looks forward to focusing on one or the other. The product of Bishop Kenny High was asked yesterday which position he prefers.

  “Probably quarterback, just because like anybody you have the ball in your hands on every play. But slotback is appealing, too… less thinking, get the ball and go,” Stukel said. “It would just be nice to stick at a position and learn it 100 percent instead of flipping back-and-forth.”