Hayden Reed navigated through the offensive line, found daylight down the left sideline and raced into end zone, completing a 74-yard TD run.
Army may have been playing in controlled conditions with no tackling to the ground of its offensive travel squad but Reed’s run could be a sign of things to come for the Black Knights’ fullback stable.
Not forecasting long touchdown runs on every touch or every series for Army B-backs but there’s been a focus to become more complete players by the group.
”As a group, we really wanted to focus on being conditioned, agility and speed, “We’ve collectively as a whole have done really well accomplishing our offseason goals and be that all-around back that we can be whether it’s running the ball, blocking or running some routes. We’ve all done a really good job of taking pride in that. It’s been awesome to see.”
Coach Jeff Monken said Reed is Army’s “do-it-all” back. Reed played most of the 2024 season in the slot after being the team’s featured B-back at the earlier points in his career. When Kanye Udoh transferred to Arizona State before the Black Knights’ Independence Bowl game, Reed stepped in with his second career 100-yard game in the win.
Junior fullbacks Jake Rendina and Carson Smith are more power runners at B-back. Sophomore Briggs Bartosh brings a speed factor with power. Both Rendina and Bartosh work with offensive linemen lifting groups.
Monken said Rendina has dropped 20 pounds since last season and praised his offseason preparation.
The quarterback situation has “rounded into form,” Monken said. Senior quarterback Dewayne Coleman, who played every series with the travel squad except one in the first half of the scrimmage, will be Army’s starter. With sophomore Ethan Washington injured, junior Cale Hellums is the No. 2. Hellums looked efficent running the ball and operating the offense. He connected on a 31-yard TD pass to Noah Prior in the third quarter. Senior Zach Mundell, who has also played some slotback and slot receiver in his career, is the other veteran quarterback. Monken said freshmen Bryson Luter and Godspower Nwawuihe are next in line.
Some highlights/observations: A few returning starters were held out of the scrimmage.
The first-team offense was QB Dewayne Coleman, FB Hayden Reed, SB Noah Short, SB Samari Howard, WR Brady Anderson, TE Parker Poloskey, LT Henry Appleton, LG Will Jeffcoat,C Brady Small, RG Paolo Gennarelli, RT Teddy Williams
The second-team offensive line was LT Xavier Archawski, LG Braden Bartosh, C Kyle Kloska, RG Lane Parks, RT Tyler Lee.
The first-team defense was DE Dillon Stowers, NT Kody Harris-Miller; DE Jack Bousum, EDGE Eric Ford, Apache Gavin Shields, ILB Kalib Fortner, ILB Andon Thomas, CB Jaydan Mayes; CB Justin Weaver; S Casey Larkin; S Collin Matteson
The second-team defense was DE Grayson Baker; NT Matt Gemma; DE Javon Smith; EDGE Noah Nixon, Apache Zane Tallman, LB Baylor Newsom; LB Bryson Banks; CB Jabril Williams, CB Jaxon Hammond; S Steve Nnadozie; S Larry Pickett
Army’s first-team defense struggled early against the scout team led by freshman QB Bryson Luter early allowing a couple first downs and a fourth-down conversion. Luter also ran a strong late first-drive completing multiple passes.
Freshman inside linebacker Bryson Banks continues to impress. Banks batted down a pass in the backfield early in the scrimmage and also delivered a heavy hit in the red zone. Freshman Apache Zane Tallman knocked down a pass inside the 20-yard line.
Senior linebacker Kalib Fortner recorded a sack. Senior cornerback Jabril Williams intercepted a pass.
More scout-team notes: Freshman QB Godspower Nwawuihe completes a pass down the sideline to freshman Stroman Bridges for a first down. Freshman Harrison Orr had an effective run on a misdirection play. Freshman cornerback Julian Porter and freshman safety David Thom-Rogers practiced with travel squad. Freshman kicker Andrew Astone made a 30-yard field goal.
Of note: Senior fullback Jarel Dickson will miss the 2025 season due to injury. Freshman QB Seth Shigg is no longer listed on Army’s roster.
