Agent: Belichick’s knowledge of Navy gives Pats an edge

A story published today in The Capitol offers some insight into the relationship Patriots coach Bill Belichick has with the Naval Academy football program, and says that Belichick’s understanding of the commitments at Navy gave him an edge when going after wide receiver Tyree Barnes, fullback Eric Kettani and slot back Shun White.

Agent Chad Wiestling says that while he has to explain the post-graduate commitments players must meet to other coaches and GMs, he hasn’t had that problem with Belichick, whose father was a Navy assistant football coach from 1956 through 1989. (In addition, Bill Belichick grew up around the Naval Academy and attended nearby Annapolis High.)

“Most NFL teams just don’t understand how the Naval Academy works. I had general managers and coaches ask me questions which made that very clear,” said Wiestling, who works for Integrated Sports Management. “Coach Belichick has a unique insight into the Naval Academy and what it’s all about. He was willing to work with these players. He gave me his word that he would.”

The story also includes a quote from Belichick.

“We brought Eric, Tyree and Shun in to our rookie mini-camp on a tryout basis and decided they are players we want to continue working with. The Midshipmen are tough and disciplined young leaders and we are pleased to have a few more of them,” Belichick said.

The Patriots have signed one former Naval Academy member over the years — fullback Kyle Eckel had two different stints with the Patriots (2005 and 2007-08).