Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo told me on Thursday he is reconsidering the decision to switch Mario Washington to cornerback. Washington has been hampered by injuries (hand, hamstring) and hasn't gotten as much practice repetitions as the staff would like, but that is not the reason why the North Carolina native might return to wide receiver for his senior season.

   Niumatalolo felt Navy's depth at wide receiver allowed the luxury of looking at Washington on defense. However, promising plebe Brandon Turner missed most of camp with a hamstring injury while current sophomore Gary Myers did not develop the way the staff would have liked this spring. Truth be told, Greg Jones, Doug Furman and Mike Schupp were the only receivers that performed consistently over the past four weeks and now Niumatalolo doesn't feel so comfortable with the team's depth at that position.

   "My thought process right now is that we might need Mario more on offense. I still haven't made up my mind, but that is the way I'm learning after all of what's gone on this spring," Niumatalolo said.

   Meanwhile, Navy had several defensive backs emerge during camp with current sophomore David Wright performing like a starter and converted slotback Cory James impressing enough to move up to No. 2 on the depth chart. Plebe De'Von Richardson has also shown he can be a factor at corner.

   "David Wright competed very hard day-in and day-out. He improved his technique and showed good range. David showed me he deserves some playing time," Navy defensive coordinator Buddy Green said. "Cory James has been a very pleasant surprise. He's definitely found a home at the corner spot. He looks very comfortable there."