Army owns bragging rights over Navy on the football field, but apparently that has not automatically translated to the recruiting landscape.

The Black Knights boast a three-game winning streak against the Midshipmen and have captured the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy two years in a row.

Army posted the first 11-win season in program history in 2018 and is 21-5 over the past two seasons. Meanwhile, Navy is coming of its worst season since 2001, having struggled to a 3-10 mark. The Midshipmen are 5-16 since mid-October of 2017.

One would think the competitive disparity would give Army a huge advantage in the head-to-head recruiting battles between the two service academy rivals. Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo said that was not evident during this 2018-2019 cycle.

Niumatalolo acknowledged the Black Knights have beaten the Midshipmen for prospects more often than in the past, but believes there has not been a significant change. Speaking to The Capital in advance of National Signing Day, Niumatalolo said Navy is still winning the majority of turf wars with Army.

“I think kids recognize the long-term success of our program. They see the overall body of work,” Niumatalolo said. “We had one bad season. I think the kids we are recruiting are smart enough to look at the big picture and see that Navy has been a consistent winner.”

Navy posted winning records and earned bowl berths in 14 of 15 seasons from 2002 through 2017. Niumatalolo said the prestige of the Naval Academy as an institution does not change. Also, the appeal of Annapolis is another factor the coaching staff sells to recruits that are also considering West Point.

The competitive level of the American Athletic Conference, which has consistently placed multiple schools in the Top 25, is attractive to prospects. Army plays an independent schedule that next season includes Morgan State, Texas-San Antonio, Georgia State, Massachusetts and Virginia Military Institute.

“I feel good that we got most of the players we wanted,” Niumatalolo said.

Georgia defensive back BJ Gibson and New Jersey quarterback Maasai Maynor are two top prospects that Navy beat Army to land.

Maynor broke most of the St. Peter’s Prep passing records that were set by Brandon Wimbush, who started for Notre Dame and recently transferred to Central Florida. The 6-foot, 180-pound dual-threat quarterback was a four-year varsity letterman and two-year starter.

“Maasai had a very productive career here and helped us win a lot of games,” longtime St. Peter’s Prep head coach Rich Hansen said. “Maasai was a staple around here and a very important part of the program.”

Maynor held offers from Rutgers, Boston College and Connecticut among others. The North Brunswick resident threw for 4,521 yards and 48 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

“Maasai is extremely athletic and has a big arm. He can make all the throws and has the speed, quickness and instincts to escape the rush,” Hansen said. “Maasai is also a very dynamic runner who is extremely dangerous in the open field. I think what Navy does offensively fits his talents.”

Assistant coach Justin Davis served as lead recruiter for Maynor, but offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Ivin Jasper was obviously involved. Hansen hinted that Navy spoke to Maynor about opening up the offense and presumably throwing the ball a bit more.

“One of the things that sold Maasai on Navy was their desire to add some things into their offense that would suit his abilities. They did a great job of selling him on those points,” Hansen said. “Massai is a special kid who is very gregarious and always upbeat.”

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