Sophomore QB gets Mids' nod

Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo made a widely anticipated move, electing to start sophomore Ricky Dobbs at quarterback against Northern Illinois.

Niumatalolo informed Dobbs and season-long starter Jarod Bryant of the decision on Monday, reiterating his previous comments that it was based on a combination of game results and gut feeling.

"We need a spark offensively. Hopefully, Ricky can provide that spark," Niumatalolo said yesterday. "Ricky still does a lot of stuff wrong, but for whatever reason the ball moves and the team scores points when he is in there."

Niumatalolo emphasized that this decision was more of an endorsement of Dobbs than an indictment of Bryant, who has started six of 10 games this season.

"Most of our offensive woes against Notre Dame and in previous games were not Jarod's fault. However, there comes a time when you have to do something in order to move the ball. At this point, we are pretty desperate."

Bryant, a popular senior captain, was not pleased with the decision but accepted it, the head coach said. "Jarod is a great person who has always put the team first. Considering the circumstances, he was as gracious as could be and handled it well," Niumatalolo said. "Jarod is a competitor who wants to get out there and lead the team so obviously he is disappointed."

Meanwhile, Niumatalolo said he thinks Dobbs understands the magnitude of being named the starter and the increased responsibility that entails.

"We don't have practice today so the kids have the day off, but I just walked past the staff room and Ricky was in there watching tape so I think he knows he has to work harder than ever to get prepared," Niumatalolo said.

Dobbs will become the third different quarterback to start for Navy this season. Senior Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada has started four games, but finished just one due to the lingering effects of a hamstring injury. Niumatalolo said Kaheaku-Enhada, the starter throughout 2007, will not dress for Tuesday night's Northern Illinois game.

"We're hoping that Kaipo can come back to practice next week. The goal is to get him ready for the Army game," Niumatalolo said.

Dobbs ranks fourth on the team with 369 yards rushing in limited action through six games. He is tied with slot back Shun White for the team lead with seven touchdowns. The 6-foot-1, 194-pounder has a stronger, more accurate arm than either Bryant or Kaheaku-Enhada, evidenced by the fact he has completed 8 of 15 passes (53 percent) for 180 yards and a touchdown.

Niumatalolo admitted it's tough to truly gauge Dobbs' performance since he has only played toward the end of games when the opposing defense is tired. Navy did not pick up a first down on its initial three possessions under Dobbs against Notre Dame. The Georgia native directed a touchdown drive after the Fighting Irish inserted their second string defense.

"There are always those variables, but you also have to look at the results. Ricky deserves the opportunity to show what he can do as the starter," Niumatalolo said.