Navy DB Kwazel Bertrand likely to miss rest of season

Navy will likely be without one of its top defensive players for the rest of the season.

Midshipmen head coach Ken Niumatalolo confirmed to the Capital Gazette that safety Kwazel Bertrand broke his ankle against Air Force on Saturday and is going to be out for a lengthy period of time.

Niumatalolo said Bertrand, a senior, had surgery this week and could possibly return in time to play against Army or in a bowl game.

“I feel terrible for Kwazel. It’s really unfortunate any time a senior goes down with a season-ending injury,” Niumatalolo said. “Kwazel has been a really good player for us and we’re going to miss his presence out on the field.”

Bertrand has been a steady presence in the secondary for Navy during his career. Including this season, Bertrand has made 27 career starts for the Midshipmen and played in 35 games overall for the Midshipmen, totaling 154 tackles, five tackles for loss, one interception and one sack.

Niumatalolo told the Gazette that junior Daiquan Thomasson will move into Bertrand’s starting spot. Thomasson has appeared in seven games during his Navy career and has four tackles.

“Daiquan is really athletic, probably one of our most athletic players. He's just inexperienced," Niumatalolo said. "Daiquan definitely has the ability to do the job. He just has to grow up in a hurry."

Navy improved to 4-0 with its win over Air Force. The Midshipmen travel to South Bend this weekend to take on No. 15 Notre Dame.

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