Name: Joshua Switzer
 
Nickname: Switz

Year: Sophomore
 
Position: Safety (Bandit)
 
Height: 5'10"
 
Weight: 190
 
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
 
High School: Ardrey Kell 
 
Major:  Ocean Engineering

What do you want to do after graduation and why?  After graduation I would like to commission as a Marine Officer. I feel like the Marine style of leadership is a very hands-on experience where I can make a direct impact on the lives of those around me. In addition, I also think the Marine culture and family reflects that of the Naval Academy Football Brotherhood. Along with Commissioning, I hope to join one of the Naval Academy's grad school programs in order to further my education.


Why did you choose Navy?  As I was growing up, even though my father served 33 years in the Air Force, military service had never really crossed my mind. Then when the Naval Academy football program invited me for a visit, I instantly fell in love. I felt like it was the place God intended for me to go. I recognized the Naval Academy as a place that would challenge me, resulting in my best self. The people that the Naval Academy has surrounded me with are an extremely diverse group that has allowed me to expand my views on the world. In my short time at Navy, I have already changed so much, and now understand why my father stayed in the military for so long. It is a family culture that is second to none.


What would you tell somebody that is considering coming to Navy to play football?  Do it. I would be lying if I said every day was going to be easy, but that is why you come here. Playing football at Navy pushes you in ways that you have never been pushed before. However, out of those trials and tribulations, you develop into the best man you can be. On top of living out your dream of playing big time college football, you also get an amazing education, the chance to serve your country and the opportunity to meet people that will be as tight as your family.


If you could play another position, what position would you play and why?  If I could play another position it would be running back. The feeling of having the ball in your hands and being in control of where you go is amazing. I played running back occasionally in high school and the feeling you get when you score to help your team take the lead is outstanding.


If you could choose any opponent for Navy to play that is currently not on the schedule, who would you choose and why?  I would choose the North Carolina Tar Heels. When my cousin played there, I would go to every home game. That is where my dream to play college football came from. On top of that, being from Charlotte,  a lot of my friends, including my sister, attend North Carolina, so it would be great to play in front of all of them. 


Favorite class at the Naval Academy and why? My favorite class at the Naval Academy was Economics in Defense. This was a class where not only was I able to learn about the economic strategies that the United States uses in our military, but also  I was also able to learn about the different economic policies of our allies and our adversaries. These strategies are directly tied into the current political state of the world. Overall, I learned so many new things in this class, and it significantly increased my social awareness on the global political scale.


Hardest class at the Naval Academy and why?  The hardest class I have taken was Calculus 3 with vectors. The reason for this was it was my first class out of plebe summer. Since I was confused on how daily life at the academy worked, I did not pay enough attention to the studying time that was required of me. Once I figured it out I ended up enjoying the class even with its difficulty.


Favorite teacher at the Naval Academy and why?  My favorite teacher at the Naval Academy is Professor Boultwood. I had her for my Economics in Defense class. I enjoyed having her as a teacher because she was clearly very passionate about what she was teaching us. She once told us that she spent hours each day reading about the material we were learning in class. Her passion combined with her prior experience made her a very interesting teacher. She also took extra time out of her own day to further educate us on different economic topics we were curious about.


Favorite form of social media and why?  My favorite form of social media is Instagram. Not only can I see what my friends are up to, and share what I am doing, but also I  can sit and scroll through Instagram reels for hours.


Favorite person to follow on social media and why?  My favorite person to follow is Antonio Brown because he was my favorite player growing up.


If you could have dinner with any 4 people that are currently at the Naval Academy who would you choose and why?  I would eat with Coach Ricky Brown, Coach Eric Lewis, the Commandant of Midshipmen Capt. Walt Allman and Ikenna Ozurumba. I feel like this would be a group consisting of many different personalities that I think would somehow make an entertaining dinner.


Favorite sport to follow at the Naval Academy outside of football and why?  I really enjoy watching the track team. I find the sport to be the peak of competition.


If you didn't play football at Navy, what sport would you play and why?  I would play basketball because I still love playing pickup basketball.


What song is playing on your headphones in the locker room right before taking the field?  I listen to Lift Your Head Weary Sinner by Crowder.


What is your dream vacation?  My dream vacation is shark diving in South Africa.


What is the best thing about being in the American Athletic Conference?  The best thing about the American Athletic Conference is that it is composed of many high caliber teams and gives us the opportunity to be a part of many big bowl games.


What do you think about Army being in the American Athletic Conference?  I think it adds even more to the rivalry 


Favorite Coach Newberry Quote: Coach Newberry talks about our "Fixation to Detail" and about how the little things we do really make the difference. Winning football games at the FBS level is not an easy task. In order to achieve the goals we have as a team it is critically important for us to execute even the smallest of tasks.


How would you describe Coach Cronic's Offense:  I would describe it as fast moving with the capability to do a lot of different things. I think his offense is really going to surprise a lot of people this year.


How would you describe Coach Volker's Defense:  Intense. The defense is a downhill defense that allows us to play fast and most importantly physical. It is a very versatile defense that I am grateful to be able to play on. 


One word to describe a Navy Football player:  Elite


Who will be the surprise player on offense in 2024?  Isaiah Bryant


Who will be the surprise player on defense in 2024?  Marcus Bleazard


Who is the toughest player on the Navy football team?  Landon Robinson


What player epitomizes Navy Football?  Colin Ramos


Who will be the Most Valuable Player on offense in 2024?  Alex Tecza


Who will be the Most Valuable Player on defense in 2024?  Rayuan Lane


What are you most looking forward to in 2024?  Beating Army


Tell us one thing about you that most people don't know?  I love to socialize with anyone. My friends growing up always joked I could talk to a brick wall. I really enjoy meeting new people and learning about different people's lives.


Tell us one thing about you that would make a good feature story?  One thing that would make a good feature story is in high school in addition to playing football, I was the salutatorian of one of the largest high schools in North Carolina, and I was the youth ministry intern for my church.


If there was a Movie about your Life what would it be called and who would play you?  The movie would be named "Switzer" and I would probably be played by The Rock or Eavan Gibbons.