Chance Keith learned much about himself, playing through the heat in his second career start against Florida Atlantic.
Keith proved he was ready for his increased role as a starter, logging a career-high 49 snaps at the all-important linebacker-defensive hybrid position in the 24-7 win.
“(That game showed) how many snaps I can to play,” Keith said. “That’s probably the hottest (temperature in the low 90s) it’s going to be all season.”
Keith also made an impact, tying for the team lead with seven tackles. The senior from Biloxi, Miss. is one of many first-time Army defensive starters that waited for their moment behind talented players of the past. What has impressed Keith most about Army’s defense through two games and only 14 total points allowed?
“I think it’s how we fly around,” Keith said. “Most of the plays if you are looking around when the ball gets tackled, if it’s not 11 (players), 10 hats are there
“That’s something coach (Nate) Woody has instilled in all of us. A lot of the fresh faces starting, we’ve all played through the years. It’s understanding the system.”
Junior safety Gavin Shields made the most of his nine snaps, with four tackles including a tackle for loss. Shields nearly has his first career interception, getting a good read on a pass for a breakup. Woody said Shields made a similar play in Army’s final preseason scrimmage that caught the coaching staff’s attention.
Snap Count (As charted off DVR, * starter)
*S Max DiDomenico (50 snaps, 6 tackles. 1 interception (third career), 0.5 tackles for loss)
*LB-S Chance Keith (49 snaps, 7 tackles, 2nd career start)
*LB Andon Thomas (43 snaps, 7 tackles, 0.5 tackle for loss, 2nd career start)
*LB Kalib Fortner (40 snaps, 4 tackles, 11th career start)
*S Casey Larkin (40 snaps, 2 tackles, 3rd career start)
*CB Jaydan Mayes (40 snaps, 3 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1st career start)
*EDGE Elo Modozie (37 snaps, 2 tackles, 2nd career start)
CB Justin Weaver (33 snaps, 2 tackles)
*DE Kyle Lewis (32 snaps, 2 tackles, 13th career start)
*CB Donavon Platt (32 snaps)
DE Deshontez Gray (28 snaps)
*DE Jack Latore (26 snaps, 1 tackle 2nd career start)
*NT Kody Harris-Miller (25 snaps, 1 tackle, 1st career start)
LB Brett Gerena (24 snaps, 4 tackles)
EDGE Eric Ford (17 snaps, 1 tackle)
NT Jacob Tuioti (17 snaps, 1 tackle)
DE Andre Miller (16 snaps, 2 tackles, 0.5 tackle for loss)
S Collin Matteson (14 snaps, 2 tackles)
S Gavin Shields (9 snaps, 4 tackles, 1 tackle for loss)
NT Cody Winokur (7 snaps)
DE Trey Sofia (6 snaps)
LB-DB Josiah Banks (3 snaps)
CB Jabril Williams (3 snaps)
LB Hamilton Baker (2 snaps, 1 tackle, 0.5 tackle for loss)
