Air Force went to Falcon Stadium for a scrimmage, and it was mostly third-team players and freshmen getting the reps. As coach Troy Calhoun explained, most of the camp has been dedicated to getting the starters and primary backups ready – considering how few practices the team has and the relative inexperience on the team – but the staff also has to make sure the younger players are ready just in case. Here’s some highlights:
- The Falcons are a bit thin at receiver. Ty MacArthur, Dontae Strickland and Drew Coleman were out with undisclosed injuries. Mikel Hunter and Brandon Hirneise already weren’t with the team. I assume the three injured players will be back soon, but it’s never good to have cluster injuries like that. Chris Jordan has had a good camp, however. He could be a factor this year.
- Linebacker Stephan Atrice ditched the red jersey, so he should be back to normal reps soon. He was nursing a hamstring injury. He needs a good week to reestablish his starting spot. The Falcons have been rotating players at that outside linebacker spot opposite Alex Means – Steven Sumpter was with the first team today.
- The offensive line has really stood out in camp. Although there was two starters and experienced backups returning, it was a unit that lost three starters. You wouldn’t know it by watching practice. They will be a strength of the team this year, which shouldn’t be a surprise anymore.
- In quarterback news, Dano Graves has been working ahead of fellow freshman Jaleel Awini through most of camp. I like what I’ve seen from both those players, but it’s worth noting they’re fourth and fifth on the depth chart. I really like what I’ve seen from sophomore Kale Pearson, who is the primary backup. He has had a strong camp and has to be considered the favorite to enter next offseason as the starter after Connor Dietz graduates.
20 August 2012 this Monday night AFA’s own Chad Hall will be on Monday night Football with the NFL Phil.Eagles at NE Patriots. Hopefully he will get some PT as WR, RB and Punts-KO. He wears #16.
Frank- Can you tell how many players AF has in the program at this point of the preseason and how many they usually travel with and suit up for home and away games?
Frank,
At the start of camp Coach Calhoun was concerned about finding a long snapper. How does that position look? Have they found one or what is the plan?
I’ll do it! I got four years of eligibility left.
Harrison Elliott a 6’3″ 205 So who is the product of private long snapping guru/coach Chris Rubio should be in the #1 spot.
Mike
Keith – I’d be shocked if Harrison Elliott isn’t the snapper. He was recruited to do that and he’s been fine in camp. Here’s something I wrote about him on signing day: http://gazetteafasports.freedomblogging.com/2011/02/02/long-snapper-harrison-elliott-hopes-this-will-be-the-last-time-you-hear-his-name/9018/
Willie – if you count the players on the JV the number is clearly over 100, though I can’t say I’ve ever counted. There is a limit to how many can travel for conference road games, I want to say it’s 80. Don’t have the rule on hand.
It is amazing how air force puts out those top notch offensive lines year after year. Great Job!
[...] Air Force Academy backup quarterback Kale Pearson has had a strong camp and could be the favorite to take over as starter next season, according to Frank Schwab of the Colorado Springs Gazette. [...]
The OL success is coaching! Who is the current OL coach?
Clay Hendrix. I’m going to be writing about him later this week on Gazette.com.