It is a common joke among fans and announcers of teams with injury problems that, “before long, they’ll have to start pulling guys from the stands.” Well, we always thought it was a joke, but it actually happened in Saturday’s Fordham-Navy game.
Starting quarterback Tago Smith suffered an apparent knee injury in the first half. For most teams, a quarterback injury is significant, but lightning is unlikely to strike twice. But for a triple-option offense like Navy’s — one that regularly puts the quarterback in harm’s way — two backups might not be enough.
Enter freshman Malcolm Perry, who started the day in the brigade dressed in his traditional white uniform, and will finish it in pads and a helmet.
Freshman QB Malcolm Perry was not dressed to start the game. He was pulled out of the Brigade when Tago went down. Will wear #5 in 2nd H
— Navy Athletics (@NavyAthletics) September 3, 2016
When Navy's quarterback went down, freshman QB Malcolm Perry was pulled from the stands to get dressed…seriously. https://t.co/43arNJpE3W
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) September 3, 2016
Perry is normally the fourth-string quarterback, but Smith’s injury elevated him to No. 3 on the depth chart, and the team was not taking any chances the new No. 1 and 2 would not finish the game. And apparently, the Midshipmen needed him because Perry entered the game as the fourth quarter began.
Ok, NOW you can go crazy. Malcolm Perry is entering the game #NavyFootball
— Navy Athletics (@NavyAthletics) September 3, 2016
Malcolm Perry went from watching in the stands to getting dressed and on the sideline to actually playing to help Navy defeat Fordham. Sometimes, you just never know how your day will end up when you wake up in the morning.
