How do you replace a quarterback, who ran for 1,659 yards and 32 touchdowns, passed for nine touchdowns and played a massive role in his team’s 12-2 season that included a conference championship?
Army coach Jeff Monken will embark on that search starting Thursday when the Black Knights begin spring practice and the coaching staff starts to figure out how to replace a number of key players, especially quarterback Bryson Daily.
Monken said during a Zoom call Tuesday as with a number of positions on the team, everything is a work in progress in regards to who will start at quarterback.
“It is hard to replace a guy (Daily) who scored 32 touchdowns and led our team so well,” Monken said. “I am confident in the guys who got that are coming up through the ranks. We have a rising senior, a rising junior and a rising sophomore that I think all three will compete for the job and have the chance to be the starting quarterback.
“I am confident that one of those guys, and hopefully all three of them, will be prepared and ready to play if they are called on.”
Monken said rising senior Dewayne Coleman enters spring practice as No. 1 on the depth chart based on experience. Coleman is the Army only returning quarterback with extended game snaps. He made his first career start in a victory over Air Force, filling in for the injured Daily, and saw limited action in six other games. During the season, the 5-foot-10 Coleman completed 11 of 16 passes for 121 and one touchdown. He also rushed for 136 yards and one touchdown on 38 attempts.
Rising sophomore Ethan Washington appeared in one game for the Black Knights last season and did not record passing or running statistics. But, Washington has the size at 6-1 and athleticism to perhaps make a difference. Cale Hellums, a 5-10, 203-pound rising junior pool from Tomball, Texas, who remind some of Daily and managed to get into three games without compiling any statistics.
“All three of these guys are good players, talented enough and I think all three of those players will compete for the starting job,” Monken said. “I wouldn’t say that we would name a starter right now. Dewayne is at the top of the depth chart obviously because he has the most experience and has played some. Those other two guys are going to battle and that is healthy and it is great for the position. They will push themselves and push each other.”
Senior Zach Mundell could also work his way into quarterback mix, Monken said. Mundell missed the entire 2024 season due to injury.
There are other offensive positions to fill. Three of the five starters on the offensive line, which was named the Joe Moore Award winner for best line in college football, have graduated. That leaves Army with two starters, Paolo Gennarelli and Brady Small, both juniors whom have received high praise for their play last season.
And, Monken is going to count on Hayden Reed and Jake Rendina to make up for the departure of running back Kanye Udoh, who transferred to Arizona State in December, after running for 1,117 yards and 10 touchdowns for Army last season.
