While being a service academy in the Transfer Portal Era is brutal, the Army Black Knights have positioned themselves in the pole position in the race for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. Jeff Monken’s schematic versatility has given the Black Knights a sense of stability that has been tough to find in college football.
Accordingly, Army is in a better position than expected to compete in the AAC in 2024. Here are the Black Knights’ top 10 returning players in 2024.
Army Black Knights Top Returning Players
10) Lucas Scott, OG
Lucas Scott didn’t start the season as a mainstay on the offensive line, but he quickly found himself as the starter at right guard for the Black Knights. He’s not a great pass blocker, but that’s not as important to this offense, especially when he can be a road grader in the running game, something he’ll be asked to do a lot.
9) Casey Reynolds, WR
While he’s not the most experienced receiver on the roster, Casey Reynolds was vitally important to the Army offense last year as a chain-mover and safety valve. He’s likely going to be moved around the formation to take advantage of his size and run-blocking ability.
8) Max DiDomenico, S
Max DiDomenico is Army’s second-leading tackler among returners and provides stability to the back end of the defense. The Black Knights lost both starting corners, so DiDomenico will be key to Army’s chances in coverage. He’s not afraid to come down and help out in run support, and his experience will be vital.
7) Tyrell Robinson, RB
Tyrell Robinson dealt with some injuries last year, making his season debut in Week 6 but not looking like his normal self. In 2023, he averaged 4.9 yards a carry and forced just two missed tackles all season. In the three years beforehand, he forced 60 missed tackles on 170 carries, averaging at least seven yards a carry each season. If he’s back to his normal self, he should have a much better year in 2024.
6) Noah Short, WR
Though Army doesn’t air it out as much as other teams around the country, the receivers group is experienced and explosive. Noah Short is probably the top guy to watch at the position as he had 17 catches for 255 yards and a couple of touchdowns last season.
5) Kyle Lewis, IDL
Kyle Lewis has really good numbers for a guy who plays primarily at the nose tackle position. Lewis, though he’s not the biggest lineman you’ll find, eats up space and allows his linebackers to make plays. That being said, he was a solid pass rusher as well, with 17 pressures last season, adding 18 tackles in the process.
4) Brady Small, OC
Brady Small is the anchor of this offensive line and a guy who excelled last year through the schematic inconsistencies. He’s a strong run blocker and has great size for an Army offensive lineman. The offensive line as a whole is pretty inexperienced, so his presence will be extremely important in 2024.
3) Kanye Udoh, RB
While Kanye Udoh’s playing time was inconsistent last season as Army experimented with different offensive schemes, his play when he got the ball was not. Udoh averaged over five yards a carry, and while he scored just one touchdown, he forced 24 missed tackles and was the Black Knights’ most consistent running back.
2) Kalib Fortner, LB
Kalib Fortner was Army’s second-leading tackler last season and was extremely productive as a blitzer for the Black Knights. He probably needs to improve a bit as a tackler, as he missed too many last season, but he’s a huge piece of the defense and will be needed in 2024.
1) Bryson Daily, QB
It always helps to have a quarterback as your team’s top returning player, and while Army doesn’t run the Air Raid, Bryson Daily’s presence is a big reason why the Black Knights are positioned as the leaders among the service academies. He’s as dynamic a passer as you’ll find in the triple option and led the Black Knights in rushing last season.
It remains to be seen how multiple Army will be on offense, but Daily has the skill set to play in any scheme.
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