Andre Carter II to Be Eligible for 2023 NFL Draft; Army LB Is No. 29 on B/R Big Board
Dec 20, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 10: Army Black Knights linebacker Andre Carter II (34) warms up prior to the 123rd Army Navy game on December 10, 2022 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Army linebacker Andre Carter II is expected to be eligible for the 2023 NFL draft thanks to a provision in the Omnibus Appropriations Measure.
ESPN's Pete Thamel reported amended language was added to the Congressional bill and filed Tuesday. The changes will provide Carter and any other current academy upperclassmen at Army, Navy and Air Force the ability to defer their military service for the chance to play professional sports.
Thamel noted the bill is "expected to pass this week."
Carter is a potential first-round draft pick who is the No. 29 overall player and No. 6 edge-rusher on B/R NFL Scouting Department's big board.
Thamel previously noted athletes have been able to delay service requirements since 2019 if they had the opportunity to play professionally, but that seemed to be changing before the new language that permits a legacy exception.
The language said the inability to apply for such an exception "shall only apply with respect to a cadet or midshipman who first enrolls in the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, or the United States Air Force Academy on or after June 1, 2021."
Carter had the opportunity to transfer to powerhouse college football programs in the past and perhaps cash in on his name, image and likeness, but Thamel reported his family never even gave such a path "serious consideration."
That was one reason they were so upset before Tuesday's amended language. His mother, Melissa Carter, said:
"Here's the thing that's so painful. You guide your son to do the right things because it's right. And it's really disappointing that it's not reciprocated. This has been his goal since childhood, to go into the NFL. Every step of the way, that was on track, until we saw this article. That's the part that's disappointing. It's not surprising to see so many people transfer, opt out or switch teams. When loyalty is not reciprocated, that stings."
Army coach Jeff Monken echoed those sentiments.
"It's just kind of pulling the rug out from under him," he said. "It's not fair. It's not fair to him. He was loyal to this team and institution. He could have left and he didn't. He still wants to serve. It's not that he doesn't want to serve. He wants to pursue the NFL and play, and then serve."
Yet Thamel reported Carter's situation "rippled quickly through Washington, D.C.," which led to the expedited process that resulted in the amended language.
Members of Congress such as Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell were all involved.
Carter's parents, Melissa and Andre, told ESPN:
"Thank you to the members of congress who stepped up, spoke out and worked expeditiously in support of Andre and other service academy cadets and midshipmen who made decisions in reliance on the 2019 policy allowing deferral of service. The goodness we saw in people this past week will forever be imprinted upon us."
Attention turns to the NFL draft process as the 6'7" pass-rusher attempts to make an impression on teams through the scouting combine, Senior Bowl and interviews.
His breakthrough season came in 2021 when he tallied 41 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two passes defended, one interception and one fumble recovery. He helped lead Army to an Armed Forces Bowl win over the SEC's Missouri with a sack to end that season.
That put Carter firmly under the spotlight in 2022, and he responded with 41 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and two passes defended in 10 games. He also posted four tackles in a double-overtime win over Navy.
The B/R NFL Scouting Department listed him as the best speed-rusher in the draft, and he has the chance to become Army's third player drafted since 1969. It has not had a first-round pick since 1947, but Carter could change that.
Army's Andre Carter II May Have to Defer NFL Draft Pursuit If New Bill Is Passed
Dec 16, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 10: Army Black Knights linebacker Andre Carter II (34) warms up prior to the 123rd Army Navy game on December 10, 2022 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Players at service academies across the United States, including Army linebacker Andre Carter II, may be prevented from playing professional sports right out of school if a bill being sent through Congress is passed.
A section of the National Defense Authorization Act states that not participating in active duty service after graduation from a service academy is considered "a breach of agreement to serve as an officer," according to Leo Shane III and Jonathan Lehrfeld of the Military Times.
The bill says a cadet or midshipman can't be employed as a professional athlete or otherwise until they have completed their commissioned service obligation. An explanation for authorization of the bill states:
"Service academy appointments are a zero sum game. Every appointment that goes to a graduate who does not complete his or her active-duty service obligation to pursue professional athletics could have been awarded to many other qualified young people who would have happily served their country."
Since 2019, some athletes from service academies have been able to apply to delay their active duty requirement and pursue a career in professional sports.
Carter, a 6'7", 260-pound linebacker, is likely to be a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft. The senior's best year came in 2021 when he posted 14.5 sacks, 41 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, one interception, two pass breakups, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 12 games.
This season, he had 3.5 sacks, 41 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two pass breakups in 10 games. The Black Knights finished the season 6-6.
If Carter can't play in the NFL immediately, it would be disappointing since he has dreamed about playing professional football his entire life. While Carter declined to speak to ESPN's Pete Thamel, his father, Andre, said Carter is "so upset."
"He was literally, visually upset because of the uncertainty. He was not happy. When you're in the military, everything is precise," his father said. "To have something at the eleventh hour kind of thrown out there when you are so used to having a regiment; he's in a fog about the whole thing."
Army head coach Jeff Monken told Thamel the policy change isn't fair to Carter, who could have left the service institution and played elsewhere:
"It's not fair. It's not fair to him. He was loyal to this team and institution. He could have left and he didn't. He still wants to serve. It's not that he doesn't want to serve. He wants to pursue the NFL and play, and then serve.
"I'm 100 percent against it."
If the bill is passed, players at service academies would need to complete two years of service before applying for an alternative service option. That could damage their chances of pursuing a career in professional sports.
The policy change could go into effect as soon as next week.
CFB Twitter Rejoices After Army vs. Navy Betting Over Hits for 1st Time in 17 Years
Dec 11, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 10: A general view before the game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen at Lincoln Financial Field on December 10, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
There was more to celebrate on Saturday than just Army's 20-17 double-overtime victory over Navy.
Quinn Maretzki's 39-yard field goal in the second overtime after Army recovered a fumble by Navy running back Anton Hall Jr. at the goal line provided the difference. This was the first overtime game in the 123-year history of the matchup between the United States military academies.
Thanks to two quick touchdowns in the first overtime period, this game hit the over for the first time since 2005.
The over has cashed in this game for the first time in 17 years, thanks to 14 points scored in overtime. https://t.co/BAUZSjq9w5
Things got very interesting in overtime. Markel Johnson ran through the Navy defense for a 25-yard touchdown on the first play for either team.
Army responded on Xavier Arline's 25-yard touchdown pass to Maquel Haywood on its first play in overtime. Haywood's score also pushed the game to the over, causing Twitter to rejoice at the milestone moment.
Could you imagine the first OVER hitting in the last 17 editions of Army vs Navy comes in the first ever overtime game between the two teams! Appointment Television! #ArmyvsNavy#CollegeFootball
Gambling analyst Brad Powers noted coming into this game how much a bettor would have won if they started with a $100 bet on the under and rolled over their winnings for 16 straight years:
The UNDER is on a 16-0 run in the Army/Navy game.
If you started in 2006 with a $110 bet (to win $100) on the Army/Navy UNDER and rolled over your winnings each year for 16 years, you'd have...
It looked for a long time like we were destined for another low-scoring affair where the offenses had to grind out every single yard.
Army's only touchdown in regulation came on a blocked punt that Jabril Williams recovered in the end zone.
There were only 10 combined points scored in the first half and it looked like Navy was going to hang on for a 10-7 win until Maretzki's 37-yard field goal tied the score in the final two minutes of regulation.
Thanks to Maretzki's leg, not only was Army able to force overtime and get the win to finish the season .500 (6-6), but members of the Sickos Committee who had a financial stake in the over got to celebrate for the first time in 17 years.
Army vs. Navy Game 2022: Start Time and Predictions for Rivalry Game
Dec 9, 2022
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Navy Midshipmen quarterback Xavier Arline (7) hands off to Navy Midshipmen fullback Daba Fofana (45)during the football game between the UCF Knights and the Navy Midshipmen on November 19th, 2022 at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Army and Navy have both had some struggles during the 2022 college football season. Neither is heading to a bowl game.
But the Black Knights and the Midshipmen still have one important contest to play. For the players on both teams, it's the biggest matchup of the year: the annual Army-Navy game.
The series marks one of the best rivalries in college football, and the 2022 edition is set to take place on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Even though the Black Knights and Midshipmen each have a losing record, that doesn't matter when these programs face off.
Here's everything you need to know about this year's Army-Navy game.
2022 Army-Navy Game Information
Date: Saturday, Dec. 10
Start Time: 3 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Preview, Predictions
This will be the 123rd edition of the Army-Navy game, a rivalry matchup that dates back to 1890. The Midshipmen lead the all-time series 62-53-7, and they notched a 17-13 victory in last year's contest.
However, the Black Knights have fared quite well in the series in recent years. After Navy won every meeting from 2002-15, Army won four of five from 2016-20 before losing last year.
The 2022 edition of the game should be a competitive one, as both teams seem to be fairly even. This series has sometimes resulted in lopsided contests, but that shouldn't be the case this year.
Army (5-6) has won four of its past six games and is coming off back-to-back victories over UConn and UMass. The Black Knights haven't beaten any ranked teams, but they took UTSA (the Conference USA champions) to overtime on Sept. 10, before falling 41-38.
Navy (4-7) hasn't played since Nov. 19, but it notched an impressive victory in its most recent action, as it defeated UCF (ranked No. 20 at the time) 17-14. The Midshipmen also lost by only three points to Notre Dame a week earlier.
Per usual, neither Army nor Navy has passed the ball often this season. The Midshipmen have had 122 passing attempts, while the Black Knights have 92. These programs keep the ball on the ground and run it nearly every play.
Among the most exciting players in this year's matchup is Army senior quarterback Tyhier Tyler. He leads the Black Knights in rushing with 601 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Navy's rushing attack has been powered by sophomore fullback Daba Fofana, who has compiled 749 yards and six touchdowns. He's coming off back-to-back games in which he ran for more than 100 yards.
Because of the style of play of both offenses, this should be a low-scoring matchup again this year, and it could be decided by what happens when Army has the ball.
The Black Knights are rushing for a whopping 304.4 yards per game, second most in the country. The Midshipmen are allowing only 85.6 rushing yards per game, which ranked first in the AAC and fourth in the nation.
But Navy should have a good bit of confidence after playing a close game against Notre Dame and then upsetting UCF. So expect the Midshipmen to ride that momentum to a close victory over their biggest rival.
Prediction: Navy 20, Army 16
Army's Last-Second Field Goal Gives It 2021 Armed Forces Bowl Win vs. Missouri
Dec 23, 2021
Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson (6) is unable to stop Army running back Jakobi Buchanan, center top, who reached the end zone for a touchdown on a running play in the second half of the Armed Forces Bowl NCAA college football game in Fort Worth, Texas, Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Emil Lippe)
The Army Black Knights maintained their undefeated Armed Forces Bowl record with a 24-22 win over the Missouri Tigers on Wednesday. Cole Talley kicked the game-winning 41-yard field goal as time expired to help Army finish the season 9-4.
It's the Black Knights' fourth win in the Armed Forces Bowl and first win over a Power Five team since 2017.
Army trailed 16-7 before mounting a comeback in the second half. The Black Knights relied on their vaunted triple-option rushing attack. Jakobi Buchanan was an absolute force on the ground with 68 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.
Army went in front early in the fourth quarter when backup quarterback Tyhier Tyler found Brandon Walters for a 14-yard touchdown pass on fourth down. Tyler was inserted into the game after starter Christian Anderson, who ran for 33 yards and a score, was ruled out with an apparent leg injury.
How about this 4th down play call! Army elects to pass it. Tyhier Tyler rolls out & finds Brandon Walters for the TD. The Black Knights have their first lead of the game.
From that point on, it was up to the Army defense to secure the win. The Black Knights recovered a fumble on the next possession and then forced the Tigers to punt. But the Tigers wouldn't go down easily.
Missouri quarterback Brady Cook led the Tigers on an 83-yard drive to take the lead with 1:11 left in the game. He went 7-of-9 for 72 yards and threw a touchdown to Keke Chism on the go-ahead possession.
But Army showed its resiliency and marched down the field to set up Talley for the game-winner. A key facemask penalty on Missouri kept the drive alive.
Missouri finishes the year 6-7. Cook led the Tigers with 238 passing yards and a touchdown to go with 53 rushing yards and a score in the loss.
Missouri was without running back Tyler Badie, who sat out the game in favor of preparing for the 2022 NFL draft. Badie led the SEC and ranked third in Division I with 1,604 rushing yards this season.
Navy Upsets Army 17-13 in Rivalry Game Behind Tai Lavatai's 2 TDs
Dec 11, 2021
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 11: Tai Lavatai #1 of The Navy Midshipmen drops back to pass during the first half of a game against the Army Black Knights at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
The Navy Midshipmen won their second straight game on Saturday with a 17-13 win over the Army Black Knights at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It was Navy's first victory over Army since 2019, as the Black Knights took last year's rivalry game 15-0.
It was also Navy's second win in the series over the last six years as Army has dominated the annual rivalry game as of late. However, Navy won 14 straight games against Army between 2002-15. Maybe the tides are beginning to shift in the Midshipmen's favor.
Navy finishes the regular season with a 4-8 record, while Army finishes 8-4.
Notable Stats
Tai Lavatai, QB, NAVY: 4/6 for 82 YDS and 20 CAR for 62 YDS and 2 TDs
Christian Anderson, QB, ARMY: 7/15 for 108 YDS and 9 CAR for 67 YDS, 1 TD
Carlinos Acie, RB, NAVY: 9 CAR for 34 YDS
Jakobi Buchanan, RB, ARMY: 4 CAR for 24 YDS
Mychal Cooper, WR, NAVY: 1 REC for 28 YDS
Recap and Reaction
Saturday's Army-Navy game began with some pretty great trash-talking ahead of kickoff.
Aside from the trash-talking, it was a well-fought contest between Army and Navy, and the Black Knights kicked things off with a 56-yard rushing touchdown from quarterback Christian Anderson.
Army outplayed Navy in the first half of Saturday's rivalry game. The Black Knights had 175 yards of total offense compared to the Midshipmen's 130 yards. Army also had eight first downs compared to Army's five, and Anderson undoubtedly outplayed Lavatai.
Army enters halftime up 13-7 on the back of two Cole Talley FGs and 148 yards from scrimmage from Christian Anderson, who was 5 of 7 passing in the first half.
However, many were quick to note that Lavatai still had a strong first half despite entering the locker room down 13-7, and he didn't disappoint to open up the third quarter.
Halftime: Army 13, Navy 7.
I'm really liking what I'm seeing from Tai Lavatai's passing, I hope we see more.
Lavatai and the Midshipmen came out buzzing after halftime, with a major turning point in the game being the quarterback's two-yard rushing score to help give Navy a 14-13 lead, an advantage they would never surrender.
Navy then added a field goal with 6:10 remaining in the fourth quarter to extend their lead to 17-13, and many praised Lavatai for his second-half performance, which is a big reason why the Midshipmen came out victorious on Saturday.
It should also be noted that the Midshipmen defense stood tall, too, allowing the Black Knights just 102 yards in the second half and forcing the team to punt three straight times before forcing a turnover on downs to seal the win.
Saturday's game marked Army's lowest scoring output since a 20-14 Oct. 16 loss to the Wisconsin Badgers, further emphasizing how good the Midshipmen defense was at MetLife Stadium.
Player and Coach Reaction
"It was a mistake." - Ken Niumatalolo confirms the fake punt was an accident.
While Navy's season is officially over, Army will move on to face Missouri in the Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 22.
Army vs. Navy Game 2021: TV Schedule, Live Stream and Odds for Epic Rivalry
Dec 11, 2021
Army cadets march on to the field before the 121st Army Navy NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
There are rivalries, and then there's Army vs. Navy, perhaps the most storied and intense rivalry in all of college football.
For the 122nd time, the Cadets and Midshipmen will battle it out for the right to "sing second."
Army (8-3) comes into the patriotic matchup on Saturday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as the favorite, having won four of the last five matchups over Navy (3-8).
Not only are fierce bragging rights on the line, but for the Black Knights, it's a chance to reach nine wins for the second straight season and the right to hang on to the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy.
It's been a disappointing season for the Midshipmen, but if they pull off the upset over the Black Knights, it would likely go a long way to putting that behind them.
To date, Navy leads the all-time series 61-53-7, but Army has been dominant of late in the traditionally low-scoring matchup.
Here's a quick look at how to watch "America's Game" and a brief preview of what to expect.
Odds(via Oddschecker): Army (-7.5), Navy (+7.5); over/under: 36.5
Preview
Last year, Army beat Navy 15-0, and this season, it feels like the game might be just as lopsided as the previous one.
The Black Knights are playing in the Armed Forces Bowl against Missouri on Dec. 22, while this is the end of the line for the Midshipmen.
"Our guys could care less about the bowl game," Army head coach Jeff Monken told Mitchell Northam of SB Nation. "They knew. They all read it online. They all got a phone. They knew before they got to the team meeting yesterday. Really, it was just kind of matter of fact. They didn't want to hear anything about it. They were ready to get on and get ready to prepare for Navy. There wasn't any big celebration or jumping up and down or anything like that.
"There's one game in the whole world right now, and that's the one this Saturday. That's all our guys really care about. It's all I really care about."
While the history between these two teams runs deep and definitely embodies everything great about sports, the game itself will not be the kind of high-powered scoring game that is prevalent in college football.
Both teams feature run-heavy offenses, the kind of smashmouth football that isn't played as much these days with all of the gunslinging quarterbacks that rule the sport.
Army only averages 7.7 pass attempts per game, the lowest in the nation. Navy is right there with them with only 8.3 pass attempts per contest.
The most points scored in any Army-Navy Game since 2014 is 38 (2015, 2016 and 2019). In all of the recent high-scoring games, the Midshipmen emerged victorious.
Football fans might recall how the New England Patriots beat the Buffalo Bills 14-10 recently on Dec. 6. They followed Navy-supporter Bill Belichick's game plan of running the ball. The Patriots ran the ball 46 times for 222 yards and only three passes for 19 yards.
Both service academies will likely mirror New England's ground-based attack and are very familiar with each other's game plans.
"We know each other very well," Monken told Scott Allen of the Washington Post. "Their team knows ours, and we know them. We recruit the same guys, and we compete over the same things all the time. It'll be the toughest game we've played all year. We know that."
The odds favor the Black Knights to beat the Midshipmen this time around, and considering how Air Force beat Navy 23-3 back in September and how Army beat Air Force 21-14 in November, the signs are the oddsmakers might be right.
Army Cadets Accidentally Kidnap Wrong Goat in Effort to Steal Navy's Mascot
Nov 24, 2021
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 14: Bill the Goat has a snack before the game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen at Lincoln Financial Field on December 14, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Army Cadets accidentally kidnapped the
wrong goat during a secret raid of a Maryland farm in search of
Navy's mascot, Bill No. 37, over the weekend.
Dave Philipps of the New York Times
reported Tuesday that the long tradition of trying to steal the opponent's
mascot has continued despite pleas from military officials to stop
the practice, which typically happens during the lead-up to the
annual Army-Navy football game.
This year's clash between the Black
Knights and the Midshipmen is scheduled for Dec. 11, and Army tried
to strike first with its "spirit mission" in search for Bill
No. 37.
Instead, the cadets returned to West Point—the United States Military Academy—with Bill No. 34, a retired
mascot who's 14 years old and deals with arthritis, according to a
joint statement from Army and Navy provided to the New York Times.
A military employee told Philipps the
goat was returned to the farm Monday and that a veterinarian said the
animal was in "good health" following a checkup.
Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams and Vice Adm.
Sean Buck, the superintendents of the academies, confirmed in the
joint statement the situation is under investigation, saying they are "disappointed by the trust that was broken recently between our
brothers and sisters in arms" and the Cadets' actions don't "reflect either academy's core values of dignity and respect."
They also reiterated the stealing of
animal mascots is "off limits."
Army (7-3) will likely be the heavy
favorite over Navy (2-8) when the teams meet to close out the regular season next month at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
24 Army Football Players Involved in West Point Academic Cheating Scandal
Dec 30, 2020
The Army logo is painted on a football field at Yankee Stadium ahead of the Army-Rutgers NCAA college football game, Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011 in New York. The two teams are scheduled to play on Saturday. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Twenty-four members of the Army football team were involved in an academic cheating scandal at West Point.
Per USA Today's Tom Vanden Brook, a total of 73 cadets were accused of cheating on a calculus exam in May.
From that group, 55 are athletes, with 24 being football players who appeared in at least one game this season—of which 17 are still on the Black Knights' roster heading into their bowl game against West Virginia.
In a separate report from Dec. 21,Vanden Brook noted that 58 cadets admitted to cheating on an exam that had to be "administered remotely because of the COVID-19 pandemic."
Tim Bakken, a law professor at West Point, spoke to Vanden Brook about the scandal:
"There's no excuse for cheating when the fundamental code for cadets is that they should not lie, cheat or steal. Therefore when the military tries to downplay effects of cheating at the academy, we're really downplaying the effects on the military as a whole. We rely on the military to tell us honestly when we should fight wars, and when we can win them."
In an October memo distributed to West Point faculty and obtained by Vanden Brook, Army superintendent Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams wrote that he suspended a policy that would prevent or limit cadets in violation of the honor code from representing Army at public events, including sporting events, because it "has resulted in an inequitable application of consequences and developmental opportunities for select groups of cadets."
West Point spokesman, Army Lt. Col. Christopher Ophardt, told Vanden Brook that punishment is being "delayed ... until final adjudication."
Vanden Brook noted that instructors determined cheating occurred because all 73 cadets "made the same error on a portion of the exam."
Seventy-two of the 73 cadets accused of cheating were in their first year at West Point. Many of the 58 cadets who admitted to cheating are currently enrolled in a rehabilitation program, per Vanden Brook.
The names of the cadets are not being released. West Point is expected finalize disciplinary measures in January.
Army will wrap up the 2020 football season on Thursday against West Virginia in the Liberty Bowl.
