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Kalib Fortner tracked down UTSA running back Kevorian Barnes before he could reach the edge. The result was a 2-yard loss on the sophomore middle linebacker’s second series of the game.
Fortner entered the game in the second quarter and played a season-high 33 snaps, the most of any Army reserve defender. He finished with a career-high six tackles, second on the team.
“My number was called and I took advantage of it,” Fortner said Tuesday. “I think I played well.
“I’m just playing my role so far. I’m looking to slowly end up in a leadership roles as the season progresses. So far I think my contributions to the team have been very good in terms when my name is called on defense I’m not missing any assignments and I’m playing with good fundamentals and I’m playing hard.”
Fortner’s name should be called on again Saturday against Syracuse and dual-threat quarterback Garrett Shrader. Perhaps, Fortner will make his first start in the near future.
Army defensive coordinator Nate Woody said Eddie Lee Marburger’s 46-yard pass to Tyree Ogle-Kellogg on the final play before halftime was the first time he’s given up a Hail Mary touchdown pass in his coaching career. Woody took the blame for choosing the wrong defense for the play. Army was in a defense that was also accounting for a quick out and a potential field goal try.
“That’s the first time I’ve had a Hail Mary successful against me and I hate it,” Woody said. “That’s on me for not getting those guys enough work on that play.”
Senior linebacker Leo Lowin, who played all 49 snaps, led the team in tackles (7) for the ninth time in his career.
Senior edge linebacker Jackson Powell recorded a sack for the second straight game.
Jimmy Ciarlo continues to play at a high level. Ciarlo forced a fumble on UTSA’s second play from scrimmage and helped Army turn UTSA away on downs with textbook coverage on the tight end. Asked Woody about Ciarlo’s first three games this season and he referred to last year’s Army-Navy game and the senior captain’s toughness. Ciarlo played through a hip pointer injury during the game and continued to make an impact.
Here’s a player breakdown of the 49 snaps (as charted off DVR, * – starter):
*LB Leo Lowin (49 snaps): 7 tackles (team high), 18th career start
*S Quindrelin Hammonds (49 snaps): 3 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pass breakup, 14th career start
*Apache Jimmy Ciarlo (47 snaps): 5 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass breakup, 15th career start
*S Max DiDomenico (42 snaps): 3 tackles, 5th career start
*CB Jabari Moore (38 snaps): 1 tackle, 1 tackle for loss, 37th career start
* CB Cameron Jones (36 snaps): 4 tackles, 18th career start
*NT Kyle Lewis (36 snaps): 3 tackles, 1 quarterback hurry, 3rd career start
LB Kalib Fortner (33 snaps): 6 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
Edge LB Trey Sofia (29 snaps): 1 tackle
CB Bo Nicolas-Paul (25 snaps): 2 tackles
*Edge LB Jackson Powell (24 snaps): 2 tackles, 1 sack (second straight week with sack), 1 tackle for loss, 2nd career start
*DE Austin Hill (23 snaps): 9th career start
*DE Chris Frey (27 snaps): 1 tackle, 19th career start
DE Nate Smith (26 snaps): 2 tackles, 1 quarterback hurry
DE Jack Latore (17 snaps)
*LB Spencer Jones (13 snaps): 2 tackles, 14th career start
NT Darius Richardson (12 snaps)
S Casey Larkin (10 snaps)
Edge LB Eric Ford (9 snaps): 1 tackle
DE Andre Miller (4 snaps):
LB Brett Gerena (3 snaps): 1 tackle
Apache Chance Keith (2 snaps)
