Returning starters Will Harbour, Colin Ramos lead inside Navy football’s linebacker corps

6-7 minutes 8/4/2023
Last season marked one of the few in recent history that an inside linebacker did not lead the Navy football team in tackles.
Outside linebacker John Marshall enjoyed an historic season and topped the Midshipmen with 96 tackles. Marshall, who played the hybrid position known in the Navy defensive system as striker, lived in opposing backfields on the way to setting a single-season school record wit 11 ½ sacks and totaling 19 ½ tackles for loss, which ranks third in program history.
It was a departure from the norm as an inside linebacker led Navy in tackles in 16 of 17 seasons from 2005 through 2021. That’s primarily because the 3-4 defensive alignment the Midshipmen have employed during that period is designed to keep blockers off the inside linebackers so they can pursue sideline-to-sideline and make stops.
Senior co-captain Will Harbour and fellow returning starter Colin Ramos are hoping to restart that tradition of having an inside linebacker lead Navy in tackles. Harbor was not surprised to learn the history of the position group.
“With how we fit our gaps, it just seems like the [inside] linebacker scraping over the top usually ends up where he’s supposed to be and making the tackles,” he said.
Ramos is coming off a breakout sophomore season in which he ranked second on the team with 79 tackles. The New Jersey native tied for second with 8½ tackles for loss and also recorded four sacks.
Ramos made his first career start against Temple as a plebe and responded with five tackles. He started 10 of 12 games last season and was a consistent performer, piling up a career-high 13 tackles against Temple.
P.J. Volker, who still coaches the inside linebackers despite being promoted to defensive coordinator, described Ramos as a “violent” defender.
“Colin Ramos is just an unbelievably tough, instinctual player with a great work ethic who competes at an extremely high level,” Volker said.
Ramos was lightly recruited despite being named the 2019 North Jersey Defensive Player of the Year as most Division I schools had size concerns. The 5-foot-11, 215-pounder has played much bigger than his size so far for the Midshipmen.
“I’m not the biggest linebacker so I have to use my speed and agility as an advantage. That’s how I’ve always played,” Ramos said.
Volker has challenged Ramos to take the next step as a junior, both on and off the field.
“We spoke about me becoming more of a leader and using my influence on others in a positive way,” Ramos said. “Of course, there are always little things like footwork and knowledge of the playbook that you can always work on. Going back and watching film, I could see a lot of things I could have done better. I’m just focused on improving those little mistakes.”
Harbour has the honor of wearing No. 54, which has become a tradition among Navy inside linebackers. He was bequeathed that number by Diego Fagot, a three-time All-American Athletic Conference selection who is currently in training camp with the New England Patriots.
Harbour had a disappointing junior season, largely the result of missing four games while injured. He totaled just 30 tackles (3 ½ for loss), but did contribute 1½ sacks and three quarterback hurries.
Volker believes Harbour (6-1, 230), who is built similarly to Fagot, is capable of becoming an All-AAC performer. The Texas native has embraced the role of captain and is in the best physical condition of his career.
“Will Harbour is an excellent leader and the game has slowed down for him. He sees everything extremely fast and makes all the calls and checks,” Volker said. “Will’s in amazing shape and I think he is primed for a big season.”
Both of Navy’s backup inside linebackers gained considerable experience last season. Junior Jianni Woodson-Brooks, who is No. 2 at the mike position behind Harbour, started five games a year ago and finished tied for sixth on the squad with 42 tackles. The Washington, D.C. native and Woodberry Forest product also contributed three quarterback hurries.
“Jianni Woodson-Brooks is a real physical freak who is really understanding the game a lot better and playing with more detail,” Volker said. “He’s a guy that brings a lot of energy and explosiveness to our defense.”
Junior Kyle Jacob, who backs up Ramos at the will spot, was the highest-rated special teams performer in the American Athletic Conference, according to Pro Football Focus. He saw significant action at inside linebacker against Army and rose to the occasion with three tackles.
“Those four have solidified themselves as guys we have an immense amount of confidence and trust in,” Volker said. “I think we have four guys that play the brand of football we want to play. We want to play smart, tough, physical and together. Those guys do that every single day. They work hard and really set the tone for the entire group, really teach the young guys how we go about our business.”
Volker said there is fierce competition for the other two spots on the depth chart with multiple inside linebackers flashing at various times in practice. Sophomores Ian Pourciau (mike) and Adam Klenk (will) were listed No. 3 entering preseason camp, but they have been challenged by classmates Trey Jamison, Kenny McShan and Elijah Oatsvall.
“We’ve got a good group of returning young guys that have made a big jump and continue to develop,” Volker said. “Klenk is a big guy who can run and hit. McShane is an exceptional talent. Jamison has really improved since the spring. Oatsvall is playing some really good football.”