ANNAPOLIS —- Navy offensive lineman Evan Campbell departed practice Tuesday morning via ambulance after suffering ankle injury.
Campbell, a senior from Pasadena, Md., began camp as the Midshipmen’s third-string offensive tackle.
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“I just saw the end,” coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “It was unfortunate for the kid. He’s a great kid. It’s always unfortunate to see someone get injured.”
The fifth-year coach said he didn’t get too close a look at the severity of the injury.
“I’m kind of a wuss when it comes to that,” he said. “I couldn’t look. It wasn’t good.”
JOHNSON THRIVING AT OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
While expected starter Josh Tate remains away from the team after failing a preseason conditioning test, sophomore Chris Johnson is making the most of his chance to seize playing time at outside linebacker.
Johnson remains listed as a co-starter with fellow sophomore Jordan Drake but has impressed over the first week of Navy’s camp.
“Chris Johnson has a chance,” Niumatalolo said. “He’s a super-intelligent kid. You watch him run and he’s probably one of the fastest kids on our team. I’m really, really excited. He’s been injured, so he really didn’t get to do much this spring, but the sky’s the limit for that kid.”
Johnson did not play in any games last season. Tate will not return to the team until at least Aug. 20.
QUESSENBERRY’S SHIFT
The Mids also are pleased with the early returns of sophomore Paul Quessenberry’s move from outside linebacker to defensive end.
“We love his motor,” Niumatalolo said. “He’s along the lines of Mike Walsh, [Matt] Nechak, Tye Adams, just a tough, hard-nosed blue collar guy. we like that. we’re pretty deep at outside linebacker and we didn’t want him to be stuck in the back so we moved him.”
—- Patrick Stevens
