Kauth opened eyes at Air Force with impressive 2010

By the time last season ended, Air Force knew it would be just fine at the “X” receiver position in 2011.

Zack Kauth was an unknown coming into last season. He played on the junior varsity as a freshman and didn’t catch a pass as a sophomore. Then last year, when Kevin Fogler went down with an injury, the Falcons turned to Kauth. Over the next few weeks, the coaches were thrilled with what they saw.

Kauth averaged an impressive 17.1 yards per catch – which is probably the most important stat for that position in the run-heavy Falcons offense – and finished the regular season with a huge game against UNLV. His three catches were all important: a 5-yard touchdown on third-and-goal, a 12-yard catch on third-and-7 with the Falcons backed up at their 13 and trailing 17-7, and a 36-yard catch later in that drive to set up a Tim Jefferson touchdown run.

“He had three plays that were huge,” Falcons coach Troy Calhoun recalled this week.

Nobody on Air Force was rooting for Fogler to miss time last year, but there was a benefit.

“It’s a night and day difference coming in this year, from last year,” Kauth said. “Just knowing defenses, knowing what to expect in the games vs. practice, stuff like that.”

Kauth is still not a finished product, and he understands that. He spent the summer getting stronger and faster. Kauth said he put on a couple of pounds. He hopes that helps him stay healthy all season. He also cut his 40-yard dash time down to less than 4.5 seconds. Considering Kauth is 6-foot-5, that’s an impressive size-speed target in Air Force’s passing game.   

Kauth showed off his improvement this week in practice, when he leaped far over a cornerback in the back of the end zone and pulled down a one-handed catch. He landed with both feet just out of bounds, but teammates howled at the stunning display of athleticism.

While Calhoun was happy with Kauth’s play in a pinch last year, he wants to push the senior receiver to take another step.

“His consistency and durability are hopefully a little better this fall,” Calhoun said.

Kauth seems ready for that challenge. He is one of Air Force’s best offensive players, but the numbers might not show his value. He’s fine with that.

“I just want to win,” Kauth said. “However many touchdowns I score or however many yards I get doesn’t matter, as long as we get the Mountain West and the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. That’s kind of what we’re looking for. And if they call my number, I’ll be there.”