ANNAPOLIS, MD – SEPTEMBER 03: Quarterback Tago Smith #2 of the Navy Midshipmen celebrates after rushing for a first quarter touchdown against the Fordham Rams at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Navy quarterback goes down with injury, school literally grabs replacement from the stands

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.

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.

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.

About Ben Sieck

Ben is a recent graduate of Butler University where he served as Managing Editor and Co-Editor-in-Chief for the Butler Collegian. He currently resides in Indianapolis.

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