Name: Roman Hyland
 
Year: 2029 (Sophomore)
 
Position:  Punter
 
Height: 5'11
 
Weight: 195
 
Hometown:  Belmont, N.C.
 
High School:  Charlotte Catholic
 
Major: Operations Research
 
What other schools offered you and what was it about Navy that made you come here? I was offered by West Point and as soon as Navy offered I committed and closed down recruiting. What drove me to Navy was the Brotherhood, which is more prominent at Navy versus anywhere else, even West Point or Air Force. To be able to attain a close bond with my teammates that lasts for years to come is a highlight of what we do here at the Academy.
 
What would you tell somebody that is considering coming to Navy to play football? Do it, you will not regret it. You will be pushed harder and further than ever before and not only will you become a better player but you will become a better person as well.
 
If you could play another position, what position would you play and why?   Long snapper, I did it a little bit in high school.
 
If you could choose any opponent for Navy to play that is currently not on the schedule, who would you choose and why?  Clemson, a lot of people from my high school go there and it would be amazing to whoop them in front of them.
 
Favorite class at the Naval Academy and why?  Leadership, I learned more than I thought I would about social situations and how to react to adversity and currently use techniques and ideas taught in that class
 
Favorite teacher at the Naval Academy?  Lt. Cmdr. Claire Clancy, she is an inspirational instructor who helped guide me through the start of Plebe year and well into the academic year.
 
Favorite form of social media and why? Instagram, I am able to keep up to date with friends, news and doom scroll.
 
Favorite person to follow on social media and why?   
Razzouk Tattoo, they have been tattooing Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem since 1300, have gathered amazing stories and experiences that they share.
 
If you could have dinner with any 4 people that are currently at the Naval Academy who would you choose and why? Give me any Navy specialist, they are some of the best guys to hang around.
 
Favorite sport to follow at the Naval Academy outside of football and why?  Rugby, played rugby all throughout high school and I have several friends on the team.
 
What is your dream vacation?   Spending a week in Grindewald, Switzerland
 
Favorite Coach Newberry Quote: "Compartmentalize"
 
Who will be the surprise player on offense in 2026?  Luke Hutchison
 
Who will be the surprise player on defense in 2026?  Cam Robinson
 
Who is the toughest player on the Navy football team?   Rayne Fry
 
What player epitomizes Navy Football?  Giussepe Sesse
 
Who will be the Most Valuable Player on offense in 2026?  Braxton Woodson
 
Who will be the Most Valuable Player on defense in 2026?  Coleman Cauley
 
What are you most looking forward to in 2026? Beating Army
 
Tell us one thing about you that most people don't know?  I lived in Qatar for 2 years
 
If there was a movie about your life what would it be called and who would play you?  I can't think of a title ,  but Owen Wilson would play me
 
If you could play another sport at the Naval Academy, what would it be? Boxing
 
Who is your favorite Navy athlete to watch outside of football? Owen Gray (Men's Basketball)
 
What does it mean to wear "Navy" across your chest?
Wearing "Navy" means you represent generations of men and women who have come before you and paved a way for this great nation to become what it is today.
 
What leadership lesson has football taught you? Humility, drive and willingness to improve.
 
Which upperclassman impacted you the most when you arrived? Stephen Glenn
 
What's one quality every successful midshipman needs? Desire
 
Which teammate would make the best Commandant? Jake Norris
 
Which teammate would make the best Superintendent?  Matt Reyes
 
Who talks the most trash in practice? Charles Robinson
 
Which player would make the best coach someday? Jake Norris
 
Favorite uniform combination? Blue over Gold
 
Which current NFL player do you model your game after? Jack Fox (Detroit Lions punter)
 
What's one thing fans should watch for from your position group this year? How often we flip the field of play and pin the opponents inside their own 20
 
What's your favorite part of game day? Blue and Gold after the game
 
Who's the funniest teammate?  Charles Robinson
 
Name two players that you think are future team captains?  Jackson Gutierrez and Mason Frey