GAME WEEK

The first depth chart is out for the Air Force Football Team. It does clear some things up when it comes to starters but keep in mind, Troy Calhoun likes to lay a lot of guys so while starting is important, the real deal is who is on the field late in the game with things on the line.

Cornerback-Josh Hall, who got good minutes last year, is the starter across from Anthony Wright. Hll beat out Chris Miller and Steffon Batts for the job. Miller will back up Hall,  and Batts is listed as the backup to Wright, although you have to believe the corners can play either side of the field.

Outside Linebacker- Alex Means is listed as the starter against South Dakota. But his backup Jamil Cooks will get a ton of playing time. Also,  interesting to see Ken Lamendola, who went out with a serious ankle injury early in August, is listed as #2 to Jordan Waiwaiole at inside linebacker. Lamendola, at even 75% is a very good player. Here's hoping he is injury free the rest of his senior year.

Friday Morning at 620 on KVOR join us for The Air Force Scouting Report as we look ahead to Saturdays opponent South Dakota. It sponsored by Accelerated Wealth and Midas.

Monday Mornings at 620 its Air Force Monday Morning Quarterback as we look back on Saturdays game, sponsored by Hanson Hot Springs Spas

And of course we have a new location and day for the Troy Calhoun Show. Our first show is Tuesday August 30th at the Back East Bar and Grill, just north of the Shops at Briargate. we're live form there beginning at 630 on Colorado's 740 KVOR.

8-23-11

   The College Football season is a bit more than a week away. In talking to Troy Calhoun last Saturday the Air Force Coach said things will change a bit this week in practice. The team will start working against South Dakota stuff, which means the scout team offense and defense will begin to run South Dakota plays to give the 1st stringers an idea whats going on. Plus, you will see a lot more of the 1st team getting reps this week. The coaches gave the younger guys a long look the first 3 weeks.

Position battles....still up for grabs is starting cornerback, and  replacing the graduated Reggie Rembert..... outside linebacker, and placekicker. 1 man's opinion-Steffon Batts could start against South Dakota at cornerback.....Eric Soderberg will be the starting placekicker, and Jamil Cooks will open the season at outside linebacker although I think Alex Means will play a lot.

We should have news later in the week on our first Coaches Show with Troy Calhoun. Keep it on Colorado's 740 KVOR for the latest.

Competition

8-18

Things are starting to heat up as Pre season camp continues for the Air Force Falcons. There are several tight position battles. At placekicker Senior Eric Soderberg is battling Junior Parker Herrington. Its been close the whole way. Soderberg had an off year a season ago. They both have strong legs and are even in the competition 2 weeks before the first game.......At cornerback somebody gets the unenviable task of replacing Reggie Rembert who is working as an assistant this year. Steffon Batts and Chris Miller have been going toe to toe. Batts may have a slight edge at the moment.....And Jamil Cooks has had a strong camp at outside linebacker and is receiving a lot of reps with the number 1 defense, over Alex Means. Both figure to get plenty of playing time.

Wed 8-10

Having watched several practices a few things have jumped out. Fullbacks Mike Dewitt and Wes Cobb make a nice 1-2 punch at that position. Dewitt is a bit bigger, but Cobb has the largest calves I have ever seen on a person. He could push a freight train with those legs...... The first week of practice has seen a lot of younger guys get reps, which is a good idea. Troy Calhoun knows what the vets can do, and the younger guys need the work and can get good instruction from it. That will begin to change at the end of this week. I think you'll see more reps from the 1st and 2nd string..... There are a number of freshman sticking their head in there and making things happen. And Troy is not afraid  to play them. I think the defensive line will be a little better than people expect because Ron Burton is, in my opinion, one of the top 10 position coaches in the NATION. He spent some time in the NFL and really communicates well with his guys. 2 guys to watch for on defense, Steffen Attrice, LB, and Steffon Batts in the secondary. Big guys that can play.

2011 Here We Go

Thursday August 4th-I have been watching Air Force Football Practices for a long time and have talked to a lot of players. The Falcons opened practice Monday August 1st. I could sense a feeling of confidence from the players I haven't seen in a long time. Don't get me wrong-the guys are confident every year. But this year they are not underdogs. They are picked to finish 3rd in the conference. In the 1st USA Today College Football Coaches poll the Falcons are ranked 35th. This team, to a man, feels they have, not only a great shot at the conference championship, but an opportunity to get the rest of the country to notice them. They are loaded on both sides of the ball, although they need to find a fullback and a corner to replace Reggie Rembert. But the air of confidence from this team Monday was all over the practice field.

Here's hoping Ken Lamendola recovers quickly from what appears to be a foot injury. He was hurt Wednesday, not more than 10 yards from where I was standing. It was a non contact injury. A hush came over the team when they realized who was down. He's been trying to come back from a severe knee injury. Lamendola missed all of last year. If there's a guy who can come back its Lamendola.

We've got all your Air Force Coverage in 2011 on Colorado's 740 KVOR.