Army Football: Defensive Hero Kalib Fortner Describes His Huge Plays Against Navy

In their victory that sealed the Commander-In-Chief's trophy, the Army Black Knights defense had a bend, but don't break mentality. While Army shutout Navy through the first three quarters of the game, the Navy offense picked up steam in the fourth quarter. 

It took a handful of impact plays on defense to lock up what ended up as just a six-point victory for the Black Knights. 

A key contributor in that effort was sophomore linebacker Kalib Fortner. Fortner led Army in tackles with ten. Fortner also had a strip sack on Navy QB Tai Lavatai with under five minutes left in the third quarter. The fumble bounced right back into Fortner's arms, who returned it 44 yards for a touchdown that sent the Cadets in the stands into a frenzy.

“It was a crazy, surreal moment," Fortner told media after the game. He went on to describe the play would be Army's final touchdown of the night.

"We called a play where we blitzed off the edge and kinda contain, and then our outside linebacker would come inside. I almost missed the defensive call. But I came and I hit the ball. They were showing on film that they were kind of loose with the ball when they were in the pocket…It’s almost like I planned it, the way it bounced into my hands. I just started running. I saw on the Jumbotron the sea of gold jerseys behind me and I kind of let off. But it was such a surreal moment.”

RELATED: TAKEAWAYS: Army's Offense Dominates in Win Over Navy In Boston

Fortner also made a critical stop on Army's final drive of the game. On third-and-goal from the six-yard line, Tai Lavatai completed a pass to Alex Tecza in the flat, who managed to get to the two-yard line before Fortner brought him down in the open field.

Fortner described the coverage the Black Knights went with and how he executed the tackle.

“We ran a play where we were man on the back. Whichever way he went, he was on my side to begin with. So I was man on the back. I almost got picked, but I was able to get underneath, and then wrap him up and make sure he wasn’t able to fall forward to get outside. It was a great play.”

Fortner was named the game's MVP for his play. It was just the second time this season that he amassed ten tackles or more and his first fumble recovery of the season. Completing his first season of seeing action for Army, Fortner will be one of the Black Knights' key returners in 2024.

"I loved the seniors we had here. The group of guys leading us in the locker room was unbelievable...Hopefully I can do it once they leave...To be able to leave it out on the field for them just meant the world to me."