Air Force Football: Rembert won't play offense

Air Force sophomore Reggie Rembert played offense, defense and special teams in the Falcons' first two games.

But Rembert, a starting cornerback and kick returner, has been relieved of his offensive responsibilities - at least for now.

"Our whole approach with Reggie from the beginning has been let's just make sure, first and foremost, he has a chance to learn one position and learn it well," said coach Troy Calhoun, who noted Rembert has just six career starts at cornerback. "And then once he has that down, let's push the envelope even further. ... There's going to be a point again where you want to get him back over there (on offense)."

Air Force doesn't need Rembert on offense as badly as it seemed to earlier in the season now that it has more weapons. Tight end Travis Dekker and Z receiver Ty Paffett are back from injuries, and some freshmen are emerging.

Rembert has picked off one pass, broken up three others and recorded a sack on defense.

He's averaging 15.0 yards per punt return and 18.4 yards per kickoff return and said he feels he's on the verge of breaking one for a score.

Rembert did not practice Tuesday because of a sprained right ankle, but he said he should be ready to play Saturday against San Diego State.

Smith returns

Senior quarterback Shea Smith returned to practice Tuesday.

"He's starting to get back into it a little bit," Calhoun said. "I think tomorrow he ought to be pretty much full-tilt."

Still, Calhoun said it wasn't guaranteed that Smith would start against San Diego State - "I want to watch us operate in practice the next couple of days," he said. He also said he wanted to make sure freshman quarterback Tim Jefferson "gets some action" against the Aztecs.