Air Force Academy – With the opening of spring drills Monday, Air Force coach Fisher DeBerry looks to get the Falcons back to playing better fundamental football. There will a heavy emphasis on improving tackling, he said.
“We gave up too many points last season,” DeBerry said of his 4-7 team. “We’ve been good in the past in scoring defense, but we allowed more than 30 points a game last fall.”
DeBerry also has some side issues he wants to address, including refining the team’s punt formations in order to have better protection. He’s eager to give newcomer Ryan Harrison a chance to win the punting and kicking duties.
DeBerry also said he will use spring practices to look at several players at different positions.
He has moved junior-to-be Ty Paffett from safety to halfback in hopes of improving the AFA running game. He said starting quarterback Shaun Carney needs to improve his running.
Jim Ollis, who was moved from quarterback to halfback last year, is back at quarterback. Ollis and Luke Ewing will compete to be Carney’s backup.
As for the most pressing position issue, DeBerry is looking to fill holes at wide receiver. The Falcons lost starters Jason Brown and Greg Kirkwood, who combined for 79 catches and nine touchdowns last year. Victor Thompson is the most promising returning receiver.
The Falcons will conclude spring drills April 15 with their spring game at Garry Berry Stadium in Colorado Springs.
