Navy captains to wear No. 2 for injured QB Tago Smith
Navy co-captains linebacker Daniel Gonzales and slotback Toneo Gulley have decided to switch their jersey numbers to No. 2 to honor quarterback Tago Smith, who was lost to a torn ACL in the season opener.
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The right knee injury happened on the third play of the second quarter during a 22-yard by Smith when he planted and his leg buckled. Smith finished the game with 10 carries for 97 yards and two touchdowns and a pass for 45 yards in the win against Fordham.
Smith had waited three years behind former starter Keenan Reynolds and coaches had often thought about using him in other spots on the field. However, he was most valuable to the Midshipmen under center.
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Offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper after the game said he was extremely upset by Smith’s injury.
“I was afraid to look at him. I couldn’t make eye contact. I felt like I’d wronged the kid in some way,” Jasper said.
“I’m devastated, I truly am. For a young man to sacrifice three years doing what’s best for the team, and me knowing he would rather be playing slotback or returning kicks and punts. To stick it out and become the starter then something like this happens right out of the gate… it’s just tragic. I’m heartbroken.”
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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday
