Name: James Cardinali
Nickname: Cardi Cuts
Year: 2029 (sophomore)
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height: 6'6
Weight: 295
Hometown: Pittsburgh
High School: Pine-Richland
Major: Computer Science
What other schools offered you and what was it about Navy that made you come here? Northwestern was my biggest D1 offer, I also had Long Island and Sacred Heart. I chose to come here because of the caliber of people that the academy produces and the opportunity to surround myself with people who are driven and disciplined.
What would you tell somebody that is considering coming to Navy to play football? Only come here if you're willing to put the team first and be part of something bigger than yourself.
If you could play another position, what position would you play and why?  TE because I enjoy running routes and catching the ball while still getting the opportunity to block.
If you could choose any opponent for Navy to play that is currently not on the schedule, who would you choose and why?  Pitt because it would be awesome to play my hometown team and the team that my dad played for.
Favorite class at the Naval Academy and why?  Cyber
Favorite teacher at the Naval Academy?  LCDR Huskey
Favorite form of social media and why? Instagram, because I love watching their reels.
Favorite person to follow on social media and why?  Chris Bumstead (retired bodybuilder)
If you could have dinner with any 4 people that are currently at the Naval Academy who would you choose and why? Bryce Rothwell, Kellan Azzopardi Patrick Conklin and Jack Widman. They are 4 good friends.
Favorite sport to follow at the Naval Academy outside of football and why?  Lacrosse
What song is playing on your headphones in the locker room right before taking the field?  Thunderstruck
What is your dream vacation?   Week long cruise on Royal Caribbean.
Favorite Coach Newberry Quote:Â 1 and O
Who will be the surprise player on offense in 2026?  Jackson Gutierrez
Who will be the surprise player on defense in 2026?  Xavyer Arrington
Who is the toughest player on the Navy football team?   Coleman Cauley
What player epitomizes Navy Football?  Giuseppe Sessi
Who will be the Most Valuable Player on offense in 2026?  Braxton Woodson
Who will be the Most Valuable Player on defense in 2026?  Giuseppe Sessi
What are you most looking forward to in 2026? I am most looking forward to traveling with the team this Fall.
Tell us one thing about you that most people don't know?  I like to work on cars.
If there was a movie about your life what would it be called and who would play you?  Cardinali and it would be played by Miles Teller.
If you could play another sport at the Naval Academy, what would it be? Lacrosse
Who is your favorite Navy athlete to watch outside of football? Spencer Lanosga (Wrestling)
What does it mean to wear "Navy" across your chest? It means to represent more than just a team or sport, as it stands for all those that are serving our country and our opportunity to play for them.Â
What leadership lesson has football taught you? If you are going to ask someone to do the work you must be willing to do it first.Â
Which upperclassman impacted you the most when you arrived? Riley Bergeson
What's one quality every successful midshipman needs? Work Ethic
Which teammate would make the best Commandant? Brandon Ihle
Which teammate would make the best Superintendent? Matt Tomaszewski
Who talks the most trash in practice? Phillip Hamilton
Which player would make the best coach someday? Matt Reyes
Who has the best game-day energy? Trent Gillis
Favorite uniform combination? All white
Which current NFL player do you model your game after? Lane Johnson (offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles)
What's one thing fans should watch for from your position group this year? Finishing guys down field
What's your favorite part of game day? The pregame hype
Who's the funniest teammate? Sean Crowley
Name two players that you think are future team captains? Brandon Ihle and Ryan Brass
