Author: Jake Schaller

CALHOUN Air Force does not have a special teams coordinator. But don’t misconstrue that for a lack of concern about the kicking game. To the contrary, special teams are a priority at the academy under coach Troy Calhoun. “If you aren’t completely head over heels committed to special teams, you get exposed in a hurry…

Just after Air Force kicker Erik Soderberg’s field goal sailed through the uprights, ESPN play-by-play announcer Dave Lamont shouted, “Wow!” —- See the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJbPjX9B-IQ&feature=related) — Lamont wasn’t impressed so much by the kick itself — from 27 yards, it was a relative chip shot. But he was amazed that the Falcons simply got…

Shortly after Air Force’s first official preseason practice Monday morning, Tim Jefferson stretched and joked with some teammates. The junior quarterback wore a big, happy smile and looked at peace ­– as if he didn’t have a care in the world. Compared to last year, he doesn’t. After winning Mountain West Conference Freshman of the…

5 players to watch as AFA begins preseason camp 1. Ryan Gardner The junior nose guard has a massive hole to fill – figuratively and literally – with the graduation of standout Ben Garland, who in 2009 made a team-high 10.5 tackles for losses and dominated the interior of the trenches. But Gardner had a…

  1. How quickly will the offensive line come together?The Falcons’ most obvious concern continues to be rebuilding of their offensive line. While Air Force coach Troy Calhoun calls his linemen a “very capable group,” it will be inexperienced and young. No starters return and only one player – junior A.J. Wallerstein – has significant…

LAS VEGAS • Mountain West Conference commissioner Craig Thompson took time Wednesday to bid a fond farewell to Utah, which will join the Pac-10 in 2011. But while he lamented the loss of a charter member that has long-standing rivalries with several conference teams — specifically BYU — he isn’t worried about the effect the…