It’s hard to put too much into a football depth chart on April 4, which is five months and one day before training camp begins for Air Force. Plenty will change before the season opener, but the Falcons released their post-spring prospectus, which included a depth chart, and there were some interesting tidbits to keep an eye on:
- The worst news for the Falcons is along the defensive line. Wale Lawal, who was moving from outside linebacker to defensive end, is unlikely to play this season. His injured knee remains a problem, and Air Force is planning on having Lawal be a student coach. Also, reserve defensive lineman Caleb Konemann is unlikely to play as he concentrates on academics. That leaves the Falcons pretty thin on the defensive line heading into training camp. Linebacker Jordan McWilliams (shoulder) is also unlikely to play this season.
- There were two big surprises in the starting lineup. Safety Brian Lindsay and center Michael Hester, starters most of last season, were on the second team. Anthony Wooding was listed ahead of Lindsay and Jeffrey Benson was listed ahead of Hester. Health might be a factor – Lindsay missed the second half of last season with a broken clavicle, and Hester was slowed during spring practice with a leg injury. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see both players reclaim their starting jobs in August, but for right now they have to get those spots back. They’re also up against some good players – the coaches have been high on Wooding and Benson since last season.
- David Baska is apparently the Falcons’ punter, considering there’s no backup listed for him on the roster. That’s no surprise, Baska was the No. 1 punter in spring ball. He’s obviously the overwhelming favorite to win the job, and be the holder for kicker Erik Soderberg.
- Jon Davis is listed as the team’s punt returner. He had just one punt return for zero yards last season, but is a fantastic athlete. He did gain 35 yards on his only punt return in 2009.
- Josh Hall is listed as the starting cornerback opposite Anthony Wright. Hall, Chris Miller and P.J. Adeji-Paul will battle for that spot. In the other major position battle for the Falcons, Wesley Cobb is listed as the starting fullback ahead of Mike DeWitt.
- Some younger players obviously made a good impression in the spring, and went from being off the varsity roster at the end of last season to second string in the post-spring depth chart. They include: sophomore defensive end Daniel Vinson, junior outside linebacker Jason Butler, sophomore offensive linemen Andrew Kerber and Michael Kusar, junior offensive lineman Nathan Badger and junior kicker Parker Herrington.
Very disappointing on the D-line depth. 4 years in to the Calhoun regime – there really isn’t a good excuse. Calhoun is still bringing in 50+ kids a year, and there are only 5 on the 2 deep?!
The Prep School has some kids who are ready, willing and able to fill these spots!
I just want to say congrats to my son for being named as a starter.This is not about being fan favorites, but putting the best football players on the field to win games.
Have seen a lot of football depth charts.
Have never seen a football depth chart that was based on fan favorites.
Don’t think there is anybody out there on our entire planet who would disagree with your statement, Mr. Wooding.