I thought there was some sloppy play early in today’s practice – some missed throws, drops and missed blocking assignments. But Air Force coach Troy Calhoun seemed pleased with his team’s work.
“They went after it pretty good,” he said. “It was a pretty physical practice today.” Even though the players were in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts. …
-Looks like senior quarterback Shea Smith will start – at least the first play of the first series – on Saturday. Smith once again is listed as the starter on the Falcons’ two-deep chart. And Calhoun said he “probably” would play first against Southern Utah. …
-Check out Tuesday’s edition of The Gazette for an article on Air Force’s special teams. One thing I didn’t fit in the article is that Calhoun thought kicker Ryan Harrison was unfairly left off the Lou Groza Award watch list. The Groza award goes to the nation’s top kicker. There were 30 players on the watch list.
“I mean, how many of the guys on that list hit three field goals of 50 or more yards,” last season, as Harrison did, Calhoun said. “There aren’t many guys that did that. He should’ve been on it.” …
-Freshman tailback Paul Weatheroy went down with an injured left knee in Monday’s practice. Calhoun said he’d have a better idea of how serious it is tomorrow.
Too bad about Weatheroy. I understand he was hurt at the prep school too. What about the other Freshman tailback – Hassin? He seems to have dropped off the radar.
I hate to raise expectatons on kickers too high – but I agree 100% with Calhoun on Harrison.
We’ll wait and see with Weatheroy. He had ice on the knee after coming off the field, then had it wrapped by trainer Tony Peck. Could just be a sprain. Could be something worse. I’ll find out more today.
I’ll have to check on Hassin too. I haven’t seen him taking reps with the varsity.
I expect big things from Harrison too. He’s going to have lots of opportunities. It’s not a stretch to say he’s the team’s best all-america candidate.
Jake…are there any non-prep school freshmen getting varsity looks?
Lance,
Yes, the direct-in freshmen are getting varsity looks. In fact, A.J. Wallerstein — a direct-in freshman from Canyon Country, Calif. — currently is listed as the Falcons’ backup right guard. Another direct-in kid, Jon Warzeka, is getting some reps at Z receiver.
Typically, the kids out of the prep school have a better shot at playing because they’re a year older, they’ve played a year of Air Force’s (basic) systems and they’ve had a chance to get somewhat used to the rigors they’ll face at the academy. But if a freshman is good enough to play, he’ll play — even if he’s fresh out of high school.