Army looked West for leadership, Witten Award overlooked West

PHOTO (Army Athletics/Danny Wild/USA Today): Amadeo West celebrates a tackle at the line of scrimmage in the Army-Navy Game fog shrouding Michie Stadium. By TOM SHANAHAN College football is notorious for presenting awards too soon. The Heisman Trophy, the highest profile award, offers too many examples. The Heisman winner flops in a bowl game. Meanwhile, the runner-up has a big day. Take 2005 for example. USC’s Reggie Bush winning may not be an egregious example, but it is…

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West Point’s ‘firstie’ right tackle completes Oceanside hat trick

PHOTO: J.B. Hunter (55). By TOM SHANAHAN James and Lulu Hunter call their son J.B. “the softie of the family.” Their term of affection is understandable only if you recognize they’re retired non-commissioned Marines. They embraced the Corps’ creed as the military’s toughest branch. J.B., though, certainly doesn’t look like a “softie” on first impression. He’s Army football’s third-year starting right tackle, a 6-foot-4, 290-pounder. As for nicknames, he prefers “firstie,” the class designation for West Point seniors…

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West Point votes West into elite San Diego club

San Diego high school football’s vast talent pool has formed over the years select clubs at the next levels. The four Heisman Trophy winners have been the most recognized, Marcus Allen, Lincoln and USC; the late Rashaan Salaam, La Jolla Country Day and Colorado; Ricky Williams, Patrick Henry and Texas; and Reggie Bush, Helix and USC. Bush had to return his trophy for NCAA violations, but three or four trophies, one word still applies. Exclusive. Another club is…

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