Jasper can’t really describe “the look” in words, but Navy’s veteran offensive coordinator knows it when he sees it.
Jasper saw it in the eyes of former Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds when he took the field for his first career start at Central Michigan. Jasper saw it on the face of New England Patriots great Tom Brady as he prepared to direct the game-winning drive against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI.
Zach Abey did not have “the look” during spring practice and that concerned Jasper, who assigned Navy’s projected starting quarterback a load of summer homework as a result. Abey was asked to immerse himself in the playbook and review considerable film in order to gain a better grasp of the program’s patented triple-option offense. Jasper issued regular tests to determine whether his pupil was learning what was needed.
Abey’s education has continued during August training camp, and with the season opener at Florida Atlantic looming, the professor is pleased with the progress.
“Zach is coming along real well. We’ll know for sure on Friday night, but for now I’m very pleased. He’s doing the right things and making good decisions,” Jasper said. “It’s just a matter of being more consistent.”
During Navy’s intra-squad scrimmages, held the last two Fridays at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Jasper mimicked the opposing defensive coordinator and constantly changed fronts. He employed different formations and ordered defenders to change positions prior to the snap in order to confuse the quarterback.
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