I attended the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation’s College Football Kickoff Luncheon today and got to talk to Air Force coach Troy Calhoun about a bunch of topics related to his program and the upcoming season.
Check tomorrow’s edition of The Gazette for a pair of stories – one deals mostly with the Falcons’ personnel (and the reason Calhoun thinks Air Force will “still have a chance” despite heavy graduation losses), and the other is a notebook that includes an update on the progress being made on a new indoor facility.
But I didn’t have enough space in the paper to pass along all the things I thought would be of interest to Air Force fans, so I put the rest of them here.
-Now that Air Force has completed its summer camps, Calhoun and his coaches are looking at tape from spring practices and re-evaluating players. Asked if any players stood out, here was Calhoun’s response:
“If you had to say just off the top of your head guys that stood out a little bit – it’d be interesting to see how Kyle Lumpkin does as a tailback, as much as we utilize the tailback in varied ways. He’s got some versatility to him. Can a guy like (outside linebacker) Bill Keuchler step up and be ready to play? Can Andrew Pipes at center be ready to go even though he’s 249 pounds? I still think he’s got a chance to be a pretty good center. Defensively, can a guy like (inside linebacker) Kenny Lamendola emerge? At safety, (Aaron) Kirchoff, I think he started one game last year. Is he ready to be truly an every-down guy? (Cornerback) Reggie Rembert only started the one game at New Mexico when (Carson) Bird was sick, and yet is he ready to contribute in a significant way as a punt returner, kick returner and then certainly at corner too? Those are some guys that will be interesting to keep tabs on once we get into the season.”
-A bit more on Rembert: Calhoun said he’d start August planning to use the sophomore occasionally at Z on offense in addition to cornerback and in the return game. “I think at the Air Force Academy, when we get a rare guy that has some quickness, that has some athleticism – like Chad (Hall) was that way last year – then I think we’ve got to put a harness on that guy and find different ways to try and tap that guy out.”
Calhoun said he thinks Rembert will be able to handle playing both ways physically, but “if it just hits a point where it’s saturation for the kid, and it’s taking away from what he has to do on defense first and foremost, then we have to pull the reigns back.”
-No change to the quarterback situation – Air Force will enter August without a definite starter. Calhoun said in re-evaluating spring practices, it’s clear that senior Shea Smith was “a little bit more consistent,” but junior Eric Herbort “probably moves a little better.”
I’m looking forward to the battle for the starting spot, which I expect to include freshman Tim Jefferson, who attended the prep school last year.
-Calhoun on Colorado State: “I’ve got to believe that what you’re going to see at CSU is real soon they’re going to be a top two or three program in this conference.”
-Finally, had to mention that Colorado coach Dan Hawkins had the line of the day at the luncheon. Talking about how young his team was, he compared it to a golden retriever puppy. He said they were really energetic and excited and really cute, “but sometimes we chew things up and pee on the floor.”
Jake, glad to see that you’re still keeping the fans informed about the Falcons in this drought till practice starts up again. August can’t come soon enough! I like Calhoun’s response to your question about who stood out after re-evaluating Spring tapes. I can see that Calhoun is wondering who will step up and be producers for him. I’m thrilled he saw something in Keuchler, ’cause I think Will can be a huge contributor once he’s given the chance. Now that he’s finished his doolie year, I bet he’ll be kickin’ it up a notch!
I’m also looking forward to seeing what Lamendola and Lumpkin can do. Although we lost some important seniors, you’d better believe that there are several waiting in the wings for their chance to prove themselves. Coach Calhoun gets this! I just love the guy!
Pingback: air force personnel center | Thehotopic
Sam,
Thanks for the note. I’m getting antsy for football too. I’m not a huge baseball guy until the playoffs, so this is a dead time on the sports calendar – especially with Tiger shelved for the year!
I think it’s interesting that four of the six guys Calhoun mentioned are sophomores. This year – perhaps more than ever before – Air Force’s success will hinge greatly on younger guys stepping into big roles.
-Jake
Any news on the new incoming recruits, and if any of them might see a glimpse of playing time ?
The presence of a real burner on kick returns and as an outside receiver could make a huge difference in the way these games turn out. Speed kills, and special teams offense can quickly alter a game’s complexion and strategy. Getting good field position no matter where the ball is kicked helps an offense by shortening the field, and hamstrings an aggressive defense that knows its back will be against the wall every time the ball goes over. Not to mention filling seats–people are always thrilled at the legitimate prospect of a long return.
Just ask the Chicago Bears fan base.
Jake,
It would neat if you could worm your way into the weight room and post some of the speed and strength numbers put up by the incoming Frosh – that is if the still test during Basic. Might give us an idea of who to keep our eyes on, and how soon they might be able to contribute.
Also – What about the incoming B-Ball players? Do they get any time on the Basketball court or are they stuck playing flickerball? How does Reynolds expect to manage so many kids?
Any big recruits in any other sports? I always thought Track& Field, with its World Class Athlete Program, had potential to nab a ringer or two.
Lastly it would be interesting to see some of the more exotic summer assignments. Do the Coaches keep track of their players or in touch with e-mail?
Just a few things inquiring Falcon Fans want to know.
AFAFAN –
Thanks for the thoughts and all the good ideas. A few quick responses for you:
-When I talked to Jeff Reynolds a few weeks ago, he said that during the first two and a half weeks or so of BT (before the trainees march to Jacks Valley), the BB coaches can see/talk to the players when they come down to they Falcon Athletic Center. Reynolds said the trainees play basketball (not together, but with members of their squadrons) when there.
-I will have a story later this summer about some of the football players who had exotic summer assignments.
-Not sure about any big recruits in other sports, but I’ll look into it.
–Jake