By Stephens' reasoning, silence isn't golden

The Savier Stephens media boycott entered its seventh month Thursday.

But the junior tailback’s reason for his self-imposed silence — that he “hasn’t done anything yet” — slowly is losing its validity.

Stephens rushed for a team-high 71 yards on 11 carries in Saturday’s victory over San Diego State. And after a disappointing sophomore campaign, he seems poised to fulfill some of the promise he showed as a freshman. Heading into Saturday’s game at archrival Navy, Stephens is averaging 5.8 yards per carry.

“He’s gotten better,” Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said. “He’s just a little further along. And that’s physically, that’s the maturity part and the whole bit.”

Stephens’ running style clearly has matured. Instead of running straight up, as he did as a freshman, Stephens is “definitely running behind his shoulder pads where he has a natural lean in his running, and that’s what you want,” running backs coach Jemal Singleton said.

Stephens might have to play a big role Saturday at Navy. Sophomore starter Asher Clark is recovering from an injury to his right shoulder that he suffered against San Diego State and could be limited.

Even if Clark is 100 percent, however, the Falcons’ run-dominated offense works best if it has multiple contributors at tailback. And the slashing Stephens provides a nice change-up to the explosive Clark.

So it will be a good sign for Air Force if, Saturday evening in Annapolis, Stephens is standing in front of microphones, cameras and audio recorders with plenty to say.