Senior remains supportive even in a backup role

Last season when an injury to Air Force starting quarterback Shaun Carney forced Shea Smith into his first meaningful action late in the third quarter of the Armed Forces Bowl, Smith showed poise and projected calm.

And when Falcons coach Troy Calhoun declined to name a starter throughout the spring and preseason, even after Smith rose to the top of the depth chart, Smith's demeanor never changed.

So perhaps it should be no surprise that Smith has kept a level head and remained upbeat despite being replaced in the lineup by freshman Tim Jefferson. Smith had started the first five games before Jefferson got the nod in Saturday's 35-10 victory over San Diego State.

"It happens," Smith said Monday. "I'm thankful to have the God-given abilities that I have and to be able to use them in whatever role that is. Obviously, you want to play more, but we've got a team attitude - everybody on this team, whether it's 70 snaps or zero snaps, you're going to do your job."

Asked if he was disappointed by the change, Smith said, "Our focus needs to be on UNLV (this Saturday's opponent) and not the depth chart."

That focus was evident last Saturday in San Diego. When Jefferson left the game early in the fourth quarter because of a concussion, Smith stepped in, ran the offense well and threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Josh Cousins.

"He was definitely into the game, ready to roll and then when (Jefferson) went down he was right in step," tight end Travis Dekker said.

Calhoun praised Smith for his touchdown throw and for filling in seamlessly for Jefferson. He also credited Smith for helping Jefferson and being supportive on the sideline despite the demotion.

"He's a competitor, he wants to start and he wants to play every snap," Calhoun said. "As competitive as Shea is, he'd like to start at safety at the same time as he's starting at quarterback. ... But there's not a selfish bone in his body. He's a great team member."

As has been the case throughout the season, Smith stayed after practice Monday to do additional work and was one of the last players off the field. Smith said he'll be ready whenever called upon.

"I've been in that position before - preparing to play, even though you might not," he said. "So I still see myself as a guy that's going to play a lot and is good enough to play a lot and get the job done."

Schedule not kind

Air Force's game at San Diego State on Saturday night began a difficult stretch.

The Falcons, who did not get back to the academy until 3 a.m. Sunday, will head back out west Friday. Then on Saturday night they will face a UNLV team that is coming off a bye. Air Force likely will get back from Las Vegas early Sunday morning and then have only a few days to prepare for a home Thursday night contest against New Mexico.

Dekker said strength and conditioning coach Matt McGettigan gave players a hand-out with tips on how to maximize rest and recovery.

"It's mental toughness," Calhoun said. "The other part is at nights, just make sure the only thing you do is absolutely what you've got to get done. Study, go to bed."

Etc.

Air Force's Nov. 1 game at Army will be played at 10:06 a.m. mountain time. The game will be televised by ESPNU. ... Sophomore fullback Jared Tew (shoulder) saw limited action in practice Monday.

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Contact the Writer: 636-0365 or jake.schaller@gazette.com. Check out our Air Force blog at gazetteafasports.freedomblogging.com