The Red Zone Report

Good news for Navy, as an MRI on quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada’s strained hamstring has not revealed any further damage.

Kaheaku-Enhada was injured during a scrimmage Saturday, and senior Jarod Bryant, who recently moved to the No. 1 slot back spot, has taken over as No. 1 quarterback.

Coach Ken Niumatalolo says there is no timetable for the Kaheaku-Enhada’s return, so the team will prepare for the season opener Aug. 30 against Towson as if Bryant will be the starting quarterback.

“That’s why we’re going as if Jarod is going to be the quarterback [against Towson],” Niumatalolo said. “If Kaipo comes back, that will be great. But we’re not going to push that. If you start pushing hamstrings, a guy can miss the whole season if you come back too quick.”

Obviously a hamstring injury is a bigger deal with Navy, as its QBs run more than they pass. Niumatalolo also said he won’t change the team’s triple-option offense to fit Bryant’s style; Bryant is more of an inside runner and a better passer than Kaheaku-Enhada.

Kaheaku-Enhada, a senior, has started 17 games at quarterback over the past two seasons. That makes the Hawaii native the most experienced quarterback at Navy since former head coach Paul Johnson brought back the triple-option. Over the course of his career, Kaheaku-Enhada has rushed for 1,341 yards and 22 touchdowns, passed for 1,336 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Bryant played in 10 games last season with one start. He came off the bench to direct a come-from-behind victory over Duke and also played well in relief roles vs. Ball State, Delaware and North Texas. He rushed for 579 yards and five touchdowns in 2007.

If Bryant remains at quarterback for the foreseeable future, Niumatalolo said the Midshipmen might go to some of their younger players at slot back. Freshman Corey James could wind up getting more playing time, especially with two other slot backs, Andre Byrd and Greg Shinego, currently ailing.

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