Air Force Academy – When asked the strength of his Air Force football team, coach Fisher DeBerry didn’t hesitate mentioning the offensive line.
All five starters are back on a line that spearheaded the best running game in the Mountain West Conference a year ago.
For those gaping holes down the middle, thank center Jon Wilson. For allowing quarterback Shaun Carney and the backs to cut to the outside, thank offensive tackles Robert Kraay and Ross Weaver.
Also back are guards Curtis Grantham and Lawrence Hufford. And the Falcons’ line appears to be even more formidable with another year’s experience and work in the weight room under its belt.
Wilson, who was named to the preseason Outland Trophy candidate list, and Weaver are senior captains.
“The line is going to be a strong suit for us. We’ve got great senior leadership,” first- year offensive line coach Pete Hurt said. “We take it upon ourselves to be the leaders in practice. I’ve been pleased with them so far.”
Air Force has depth as well, something DeBerry said the team hasn’t had in a long time.
Grantham, a 6-foot-2, 280- pound junior, returns at full strength after suffering a broken leg in the season opener against California last year.
Junior center Stuart Perlow and senior right guard Pat Edwards are having good camps and pushing for playing time as backups.
“It makes it so much easier when you have guys like Curtis and you just make eye contact and you know they know what they’re doing,” Wilson said. “We have a backups at every position that can fill in easily.”
The running backs are looking forward to the opportunities their line will create.
“They have a chance to be one of the most talented groups we’ve ever had,” junior running back Justin Handley said. “We’ll be able to take any defense (on) and run it down their throats.”
D-line unleashed
Last year’s defensive line was porous, giving up 200 rushing yards per game. The line was plagued by inconsistent play, junior defensive end Gilberto Perez said.
“We’d make big plays, but then we give up big plays. We can’t do that,” said Perez, who recorded 39 tackles.
To rectify the situation, the coaches are letting the line play more freely this season.
“Last season we played more conservative on the line, taking (on) blocks and allowing the linebackers to scrape (off) the tackles,” Perez said. “This year they’re unlocking the chain on the D-line. We’re going to be going more upfield and making plays.”
Kendrick at 100 percent
Junior fullback Jacobe Kendrick endured an injury-plagued season last year. Though he played every game and ran for 232 yards on 43 carries, he was slowed by nagging injuries such as torn cartilage in his right knee. In the spring, the 6-foot, 230-pound Kendrick tore his medial collateral ligament but recovered without surgery.
Kendrick said he’s now at 100 percent.
“I feel great right now, best I’ve felt since I’ve been here,” Kendrick said.
DeBerry expects Kendrick to help carry the running back load.
“He can be as good as we’ve had at that position – ever – if he can stay healthy,” DeBerry said. “If he can stay healthy, he’s a load.”
Irv Moss can be reached at 303-820-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
