Air Force Academy – Many college football teams consider a 6-foot-8 offensive lineman such as Air Force’s Robert Kraay to be an asset.
The thinking is that the taller and bigger, the better in terms of pass blocking and keeping pass rushers off the quarterback.
But Air Force is more of a running team, and it takes some doing for Kraay, a senior from Tucker, Ga., to contribute on Air Force’s line.
He has to be somewhat of a contortionist to get his long, lanky body compressed into a force low to the ground. Think of it as an ostrich transforming into an angry gander.
“It’s a little abnormal for a guy that tall to be able to block for the option like he can,” offensive line coach Pete Hurt said. “He’s a knee-bender, in our terminology. Line play is a game of leverage, and the low man generally wins.”
To say the least, Kraay isn’t your standard Air Force offensive lineman.
“He sticks out on our team,” Hurt said. “You do notice him when we take the field. It’s funny when you look at our huddle. Everyone’s about the same, but there’s one head and shoulders above everybody else.”
Though you can’t miss him, Kraay says he can slip up on opponents because of his ability to get low to the ground.
“They don’t expect it from a tall guy,” Kraay said. “But it’s a huge advantage if I get under them. If I do, I’m 99 percent (likely) to win. We call it the leverage game.”
Kraay, who caught a two-point conversion pass last year against Wyoming, has another important function. He’s the left tackle, and with that comes the responsibility of protecting quarterback Shaun Carney’s blind side.
“That’s a huge responsibility, but it’s fun,” Kraay said. “If Shaun says something I don’t like, I tell him if he wants to be blindsided to keep talking.”
Hurt thinks the 5-10 Carney and his tall protector are a timely fit.
“We’re throwing the ball more than in the past,” Hurt said. “It’s good that he and Shaun are here at the same time. The timing is good for both of them.”
Hurt believes the pass blocking that Kraay does could lead to play professionally.
“He’s a very intriguing player for the next level,” Hurt said. “It’s something on down the road and we know about his military commitment, but I think he’ll get a serious look by some NFL teams.”
Kraay has to order shoes online for his size-15 feet. Same goes for his size 48, double extra long jackets. He has found that military clothiers have better luck.
If he goes into the NFL, chances are the clothes will get bigger. But right now, he’ll settle for 290 pounds.
“When you gain weight, you have to move it, too,” Kraay said. “I’d rather keep the speed than gain a lot of weight and not be able to move it. When you’re on play 17 of a drive and you’re huffing and puffing, you can’t bend your knees anymore because you’re carrying 30 extra pounds. It will hurt you.”
Kraay looks at the Broncos’ offensive line as something he would like to see his group mirror as Air Force tries to rebound from three disappointing seasons.
“I really respect Denver’s offensive line,” Kraay said. “They’re just a bunch of blue- collar, nasty guys. I’m not saying they don’t get tired, but they look like they don’t get tired.
“To be on Air Force’s offensive line, you have to be nasty and able to go the distance.”
Irv Moss can be reached at 303-820-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
Preseason issues
The biggest issues Air Force coaches are looking to address heading into preseason camp:
Practice: The Falcons will not have any two-a-day practice sessions this preseason, so they’ll look to get the most out of single sessions. Practice begins Monday, and classes start Thursday.
Kicking: With the indefinite suspension of Ryan Harrison, Air Force is looking for a kicker. Harrison was scheduled to do the punting and the place-kicking.
Running backs: Junior Chad Hall, who had the best spring practice, leads a group of halfbacks that must improve over 2005.
IRV MOSS
Schedule
Practices are open to the public. Practice fields are just west of the academy’s field house.
Monday: Practice, 10 a.m.; media day, 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday: Practice, 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday-Thursday: Practice, 9:05 a.m.
Friday: Practice, 3:35 p.m.
Through Aug. 31: Practice, 4 p.m. (schedule TBA for Aug. 12, 19 and 26; no practice Aug. 24; off Sundays)
Sept. 1: Blue-Silver scrimmage at Falcon Stadium, time TBA
