What to look for and who to watch as AFA begins preseason football camp

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 solid spring, giving coaches confidence there will not be a significant drop-off. Gardner is listed at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds but is quick and uses his hands well.

2. Tim Jefferson

Could this be a breakout year for the junior quarterback? After winning Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year honors in 2008, he had an up-and-down sophomore campaign while battling an injured ankle, playing with a torn meniscus and being usurped (briefly) by Connor Dietz. But Jefferson showed his improved passing chops late in the season – specifically in the Armed Forces Bowl victory over Houston, when he completed 10-of-14 passes for 161 yards – and re-established himself as the Falcons’ clear starter. With a healthy knee, he might be able to run like he did as a freshman and become one of the Mountain West Conference’s most dangerous dual-threat signal-callers.

3. Wale Lawal Jr.

On the first play of his college career, Lawal forced a fumble with a tackle for a loss, scooped up the ball and ran 10 yards for a touchdown. That came in garbage time during the fourth quarter of the Falcons’ opener against Nichols State of the Football Championship Subdivision. But because of a rash of injuries to outside linebackers, Lawal played quality snaps later in the season and made four starts. In his first start, against Wyoming, he made eight tackles (tied for second-most on the team) with a sack and a pass break-up. Lawal should push for a starting spot this season, especially if outside linebackers Patrick Hennessey and Alex Means struggle to return from injuries.

4. Darius Jones/Cody Getz

The pair of sophomore tailbacks both showed flashes of big-time ability in 2009 and during spring practices. Both are small – Jones is listed at 5-9, 160 pounds, and Getz is listed at 5-7, 170 – but they bring explosiveness to the backfield and could emerge as quality change-up options to junior starter Asher Clark. Jones showed big-play potential and breakaway speed in the spring, while Getz’s quickness (and size and home state – Georgia) have reminded some of former Falcon great Chad Hall.

5. Brian Lindsay/Phil Ofili

One of them will be the lone new starter in the secondary, replacing graduated three-year starting strong safety Chris Thomas. Lindsay, a physical sophomore, had the edge coming out of spring practices and begins camp listed as the starter. But Ofili, a junior, is right behind him on the two-deep chart and has some playing experience.

5 pressing questions facing Air Force as preseason camp begins

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 game experience. In addition, the Falcons could use several sophomores, including Jason Kons (at the all-important left tackle spot), Jordan Eason and Nick Jackson. “It’s a group that – if they can stay healthy – will be a crew that can help us run the football and do a good job of protecting the quarterback when we get into the month of November,” Calhoun said. “We just want that to happen in September.”

2. How is the health of the linebacker corps?

After spring drills, Calhoun said senior outside linebacker Andre Morris Jr. was the only linebacker who looked ready to contribute in 2010. And as the Falcons head to camp, questions remain at the position. Injuries kept several key players – senior inside linebacker Ken Lamendola, senior outside linebacker Patrick Hennessey and sophomore outside linebacker Alex Means – out of spring drills. And those injuries continue to be a concern. Calhoun said earlier this week that Means (foot) should be ready for the start of camp but will have to show he is 100 percent. Hennessey (shoulder) is questionable for the start of camp, and Lamendola (knee) still has a ways to go to get ready to play. Juniors Jordan Waiwaiole and Harrison McWilliams, who have been outside linebackers, will be tried at inside linebacker at the beginning of camp.

3. Who will take over as punter?

Air Force completed spring practices without finding a replacement for punter Brandon Geyer. In 2009, Geyer was key in affecting field position, averaging 43 yards on his 48 punts and pinning opponents inside the 20-yard line 17 times. In addition, he kicked the ball with superior hang time, which allowed the coverage unit ample time to get down the field. Only 17 punts were returned against the Falcons for just 122 yards, and Air Force ranked sixth in the nation with a net punt average of 39.5. Senior Keil Bartholomew enters camp atop the depth chart, with junior Air Academy graduate Andrew Heard listed as his backup.

4. How much will the Falcons miss Tim DeRuyter?

Air Force’s defensive coordinator during Calhoun’s first three seasons, DeRuyter helped turn a porous unit into one of the nation’s best. His 2009 group was among the top defenses in academy history and finished the season ranked 10th in the country in scoring defense (15.7 points allowed per game) and 11th in total defense (288.3 yards allowed per game – the lowest mark at the academy since 1966). DeRuyter, who left in the offseason to take the defensive coordinator post at Texas A&M, has been replaced by Matt Wallerstedt, who is entering his third season at the academy. Calhoun said coaching the defense has been a collective effort, but DeRuyter certainly had a major role in the unit’s recent turnaround.

5. Which Freshmen Will Emerge?

Calhoun finally is getting to where he wants to be from a roster standpoint, with mostly juniors and seniors on his two-deep chart. But at the Mountain West Conference media days, he hinted that about a half-dozen incoming freshmen could contribute in 2010. Surprisingly, he said some could push for playing time in the secondary, which is one of the Falcons’ strongest position groups.