I talked at length with Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo, offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper and defensive coordinator Buddy Green about the 2009 season. All three coaches were excited about next season and had already begun looking ahead to spring practice and the prospect of developing young players.

   Niumatalolo revealed two potential personnel changes the coaching staff is considering. Most notable is the fact Clint Sovie might be switched from inside linebacker to outside linebacker next season. Navy loses both outside linebackers that started the EagleBank Bowl versus Wake Forest - Jeff Deliz and Corey Johnson. Deliz began playing the "Raider" position late in the season after starting nine games at free safety. Fortunately, Navy has an experienced potential replacement in Ram Vela, who started five games at the spot this season.

  Johnson, who started every game at the "Striker" position and ranked second on the team with 85 tackles, will be harder to replace. Sovie, the fastest linebacker on the squad, began playing on the edge in pass-rush situations more often toward the end of the season - usually replacing Deliz. Green said the Midshipmen might experiment with switching Sovie to outside linebacker during the spring.

   Another interesting position change under consideration involves moving Jordan Eddington from inside linebacker to fullback. Eddington runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds and is very athletic. He's been unable to crack the two-deep at inside linebacker, but has the talent to contribute somewhere. Navy loses its starting fullback in Eric Kettani and is looking for an experienced player to challenge returning fullbacks Kevin Campbell and Alexander Teich.