Air Force notes: Newcomer makes an impression

It took less than one practice for freshman cornerback Reggie Rembert to flash his potential as an impact newcomer at Air Force.

Rembert was one of a select few freshmen who went through most of Saturday morning’s varsity practice, and he was impressive throughout.

“He’s a guy that I can already see being on our two-deep this fall,” Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said. “Now he’s got to earn it. (But) I’m just looking at him ability-wise and watching him pick things up.”

Rembert, who is from Flower Mound, Texas, played for the academy’s prep school team last year. Though only about 5-foot-8, he boasts blazing speed and quickness. Calhoun even mentioned the possibility that Rembert could return kicks.

On Saturday, playing man coverage, Rembert stayed right with some of the Falcons’ top wide receivers. And that was after spending six weeks in basic training with other incoming freshmen.

“He has a lot of ability, a lot of speed,” Air Force cornerbacks coach Charlton Warren said. “He’s a guy we’re looking to come in and push.”

The rest of Air Force’s incoming freshmen will join the team in the upcoming week. And Calhoun has made it clear that they will have every chance to compete for starting roles.

“If a freshman’s the best player, he’s going to play,” Calhoun said. “If you’re the best pilot, it doesn’t matter if you’re a lieutenant instead of a major — you’re going to fly the mission.”

Tough it out

At Air Force practices, players who cannot participate fully because of an injury wear red jerseys. But Calhoun is making it clear that players had better not wear one unless it’s absolutely necessary.

“We’ve got about four guys I’m not happy with — that I think don’t have to necessarily be in a red shirt, but they think they maybe need to nurse it a little bit,” Calhoun said.

When asked who those players were, Calhoun smiled and said, “We’ve got four of them. They’re in red jerseys that they don’t need to be wearing.” ... Devin Hart, who played football as a freshman, rejoined the Falcons for his senior season. Hart is playing receiver. ... Quarterback Shaun Carney should be ready to participate in a full practice Monday.