I’ve been seeing Ben Garland out at spring football practices. He’s giving advice and pointers to the Falcons’ returning defensive linemen.
Garland, who was a force as a nose guard in 2009, looks like he still could suit up and be a difference maker. And there’s a reason for that. Garland is staying in playing shape to impress scouts at Air Force’s pro day.
That means Garland is at about 290 pounds.
That’s particularly interesting because Garland has earned a pilot training slot and will begin pilot training after graduation.
According to Garland, before he goes to pilot training, he’s going to have to get down to about 220 pounds (he needs to weigh no more than 235 with gear before he flies).
But, as he’s going through pro day, he still holds some dreams of the NFL. Could he really go from 290 down to 220 and then back up to 290 (or thereabouts) after a couple years of flying to try to make an NFL roster?
Is that possible?
“It’ll be tough,” Garland said with a smile. “But (former academy defensive lineman, pilot and NFL player) Chad Hennings did it.”
Air Force coach Troy Calhoun wouldn’t bet against Garland.
“Any time you use the word ‘possible,’ and it involves Ben Garland, it is,” Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said. “That’s just what he’s made of. … He’s a good football player, and he’s a phenomenal kid. He’s one of those guys you want in the Air Force. In 15, 20 years he needs to be in a capacity, leadership-wise. All the way around the block, the guy’s a stud. There’s just no other way to put it.”
Jake,
GREAT articles on the Basketball Class of 2012 and on Ben Garland. Extremely well written. Keep up the good work. I read your and Dave’s blogs every day. GO FALCONS!
Jake,
Is there any reason to believe that the SAs
will allow drafted or signed contract players
to leave before 2 years. The 2 year rule really
kill thier dream. The DOD should figure out a
way to work this out for these young men.
By the way when is pro day?
Thanks
Marty
Joe -
Thanks so much! We appreciate the support!
Marty -
I think the DOD made it pretty clear that it won’t allow players to pursue pro football careers until after two years of active-duty service. But I agree that it should find a way to let these guys go after a pro career immediately after graduation. The service can be postponed, and I don’t think there will be THAT many guys who actually make it, so it shouldn’t be that big a deal. (Note: They have to make the rule that the players have to make the active roster of an NFL team.)
Pro day is March 15.
IF a person can get out of a committment for being a great athlete -lets let them out of a committment if they’re a great physicist too.
Well, perhaps. But the reason for releasing these guys to play in the pros is because of the PR it would provide for AFA. People don’t pack stadiums to watch physicists.
The two year rule still dumbfounds me. Have them immediately serve 8 years in the reserves as an ALO (Admissions Liaison Officer — few remember this, but that’s what Chad Hennings did). It’s a complete win-win scenario. Not only do you get the beneift of the PR, but can you imagine the impression it would make to have an active NFL player show up on your doorstep in an AF uniform to conduct your AFA admissions interview?
Why the powers-that-be can’t see this as the best possible solution (at all the Service Academies . . . not just AF) is beyond me!