Just how good is Payton Zdroik? Maybe as good as Air Force has had, his defensive coordinator believes.

Zdroik, the fifth-year senior nose guard for the Falcons, was among 54 players named to the Lombardi Award watch list Tuesday. The award, named for Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi, aims to honor “outstanding linemen who best epitomize his values of leadership, courage, performance, and discipline on and off the field. Furthermore, the watch list includes players who are consistently showing the values of strength, agility, and football acumen in their respective positions.”

Zdroik has recorded a tackle behind the line of scrimmage in 19 of 30 career games and is tied for ninth in program history with 13 sacks – just three short of vaulting into the top five.

“Offenses have changed dramatically over the years, but still, it all starts up front,” Air Force defensive coordinator Brian Knorr said. “For us to have a guy like Payton Zdroik, he may be as good as we’ve had around here. It’s going to be exciting to see him as healthy as he’s ever been.”

Knorr’s time at Air Force began as a player in 1982, and around some gaps, has encompassed 17 seasons. So when he offers praise, it comes with perspective.

Zdroik leads all active Falcons with 23 tackles for loss for 105 yards.

“Payton is a phenomenal football player and a phenomenal person,” junior linebacker Blake Fletcher said. “He makes our job easier at linebacker, keeping all the blockers off of us and making TFL’s in the backfield. He also brings a great leadership role to our defense as well and being that great vocal person on defense and uplifting everyone on the team.”

The only thing limiting Zdroik, the 6-foot, 275-pound native of Brentwood, Calif., and a second-generation Falcon in following parents Daniel Zdroik (a football player) and Kelly Fedel (a swimmer), has been injuries.

He burst onto the scene in 2022, making 10 tackles for loss with 5.5 sacks as a sophomore, but has missed eight games over the past two seasons.

Coach Troy Calhoun said the intention this season is to monitor his snap count in an effort to keep him on the field.

“He does have very good quickness,” Calhoun said. “Certainly the pad level being lower, being able to beat guys who are maybe bigger or to be able to get by them with instant movement and just really good drive.”

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