All college football players work insanely hard, whether we like to believe it or not. But then there's that whole other level for service academy football players, each of whom may have something like 36 hours in his day. For senior Navy Midshipmen defensive end Joshua Jones, a projected starter, it's time to cut back and focus on things besides football.
Head coach Ken Niumatalolo, in a statement:
He came and spoke to me prior to the break. He had some things going on in the hall. He's a great kid. He's trying to take care of his swimming test and some other things you have to do to graduate here. It started to weigh down on him. Not only the academics, but you're trying to pass all your physical requirements and try to come out here and be the best player you can be.
I just think the overall burden of it, especially now that he's getting close to graduating. I just thought it became too much for him. He's a great young man and we're going to miss him.
Navy's now lost three of its top five defensive linemen from last year, with top end Jabaree Tuani graduating. Now projected to start next to incumbent Wes Henderson: senior Collin Sturdivant, who had three tackles last year.
Jones appeared in eight games last year off the bench, compiling 18 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack.
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