Broken arm sidelines senior slot back
Navy (2-0) faces a daunting challenge Saturday at No. 10 South Carolina (2-0) and will have to do it without one of its most inspirational players, senior slot back Aaron Santiago, who broke both bones in his lower arm Saturday in a 40-14 win at Western Kentucky and is out for the next two months at least.
When reporters approached Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo after the game, he wiped away tears and shielded his eyes with his visor until he gathered the composure to speak about one of his favorite players.
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In recruiting Santiago out of his native Hawaii, Niumatalolo had to convince the Navy administration that Santiago was worth the risk as he had struggled to meet academic standards. Santiago has excelled in the classroom, on the field, and in all phases of the demanding Academy lifestyle, establishing himself as a quiet leader by example.
“That’s why I got emotional because I know the road he’s taken,” Niumatalolo said on Monday. “He been a phenomenal leader. He doesn’t say crap. He keeps his mouth quiet and he just does what he’s supposed to do everywhere – in the classroom, on the field and in the hall. Coaching’s easy when you got guys like that.”
Niumtalolo said he hopes Santiago can return for the Army game in December. Santiago was replaced Saturday by junior John Howell who had touchdown runs of 57 and 50 yards.
“That’s probably our deepest position,” Niumatalolo said. “We feel good about that position. We have faith in all of them.”
Niumatalolo expects injured senior outside linebacker Jared Shannon and senior fullback Delvin Diggs, both inactive on Saturday, to be back for the South Carolina game. Starting senior outside linebacker Mason Graham (knee) is “day-to-day,” according to Niumatalolo.
